Tesla just made a bold move, and it’s one that regular owners have been waiting for.
For the first time ever, non-employees and non-influencers can now join Tesla’s Early Access Program – giving them a chance to test out upcoming Full Self-Driving (FSD) updates before they’re released to the public.
Yes, this is real. And it’s already rolling out in the U.S.
What’s Going On?
Tesla is quietly pushing a new update to the Tesla app. If you qualify, you’ll see a pop-up invite asking if you want to join the FSD (Supervised) Early Access Program.
This is your golden ticket to test Tesla’s newest FSD features before anyone else.
The rollout is slow, so if you haven’t seen it yet – don’t panic. It’s coming.
Who Can Join?
To get into the program, you need:
- A Tesla vehicle with Hardware 4 (HW4)
- FSD capability (either bought or currently subscribed)
HW3 owners? Unfortunately, you’re not included at this time.
If you’re eligible, you’ll see the invite in your Tesla app. Missed the pop-up? No worries – the option to join will still show up at the bottom of your app.
What Changes After Joining?
Once you’re in, a new “Early Access” link will appear at the bottom of your app (right where your VIN and software version usually are). You can check your status or leave the program anytime.
But here’s the deal: Tesla will collect more data from your car, including video and audio. Everything will be tied to your VIN, meaning less privacy.
Also, your updates and release notes will now include watermarks with your VIN to reduce leaks – a practice Tesla already uses internally.
What’s the Catch?
Getting early builds means you’re testing features that aren’t fully stable yet. They might be buggy or behave in unexpected ways.
Tesla advises drivers to stay alert while using FSD, especially with early versions. And if someone else drives your car, make sure they know what’s going on.
Why This Is a Big Deal
Until now, Tesla’s Early Access was mostly reserved for insiders. This move could mean Tesla feels more confident in its FSD system – or it may be gearing up for something even bigger.
Rumor has it Tesla is still targeting June 2025 for the Robotaxi launch, and they might be using this new wave of testers to collect the extra data they need.
Either way, this is huge. It’s exciting. And it’s one more step toward a self-driving future.
Would YOU join Tesla’s Early Access Program if you had the chance? Let us know in the comments.
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