Tesla delays anticipated 8.1 software update, but it is still in the works

Tesla’s version 8.1 software update has been the most anticipated update to Tesla’s operating system for the past 6 months. It was first supposed to come out in late December, but the automaker’s software team has been focusing on fixes for the 8.0 update.

The update was later delayed to late January and it is now late again.

We received a lot of inquiries about what is going on with the update.

Tesla hasn’t released an updated ETA for the 8.1 software update now that we are in February, but a source familiar with the update told Electrek that it’s still in the works and getting close to release.

The main new features and improvements expected in 8.1 are a much-needed upgraded internet browser with new Linux kernel and the most important update to Tesla’s mobile app since its introduction.

CEO Elon Musk associated both upgrades with the 8.1 update.

Last month, we published an exclusive report on the app update, which includes touch identification, widget integration, and several UI improvements.

The focus over the past few months has been on Tesla’s fleet of vehicles equipped with the second generation Autopilot hardware in order to get Enhanced Autopilot out the door, but 8.1 will be welcomed by the entire fleet.

Of course, the mobile app will affect everyone, but so will the updated internet browser. The core Linux OS will be upgraded to 4.4 and it should make Tesla’s OS more efficient resulting in a faster browser. At the very least, it will improve the browser from “almost unusable” to “OK”.

Some general UI improvements will also be introduced with 8.1.