Since April 2019, Tesla's Hardware 3 (HW3) has been the centerpiece of many vehicles, promising high autonomy. However, the older computers can no longer process the latest FSD v13 and remain at FSD v12.6. Many owners are therefore asking: How, when, and with what technology will Tesla upgrade their HW3 computers?
Why HW3 is reaching its limits
HW3 brought a significant performance boost compared to HW 2.5. For FSD Beta v10, the computing power was still sufficient. But with each release, the memory and computing requirements increase, especially due to new end-to-end AI models. While HW4 and AI4 vehicles update to FSD v13.2.9, HW3 models must remain at v12.6 – noticeable by less smooth maneuvers and occasional jerks.
Tesla's upgrade promise
Elon Musk confirmed in the Q4 2024 earnings call: Those who purchased the FSD package will receive a free upgrade of the autopilot computer. However, Tesla has not yet published a timeline. Musk humorously commented that it would be "painful and laborious," while also expressing relief that the volume is manageable.
When will the upgrade come?
An exact start date is still missing. The likelihood increases that Tesla is waiting until the final AI5 computer is ready to create a one-time, future-proof solution. Elon recently indicated the start of AI5 delivery for the end of 2025 – but the rollout is more likely to shift to the first half of 2026. Until then, HW3 remains on standby.
No simple hardware swap
HW4/AI4 is too large and requires higher cooling capacity, so a direct swap in HW3 vehicles is ruled out. Instead, Tesla will likely develop a custom AI5-based retrofit computer that
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fits into the existing FSD computer slot,
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works with the old power and cooling infrastructure,
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and provides the necessary computing power for true Level 4/Level 5 FSD.
Camera and infotainment question
Tesla emphasizes that the HW3 cameras (1.2 MP) are sufficient. However, with FSD v13.2, the system already evaluates high-resolution AI4 cameras (5 MP). According to Musk, Tesla does not initially plan an optics upgrade.
Also a MCU upgrade (Intel Atom → AMD Ryzen) could make sense, but is currently not confirmed.
The agony of choice for HW3 owners
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Wait for the free upgrade with AI5 technology?
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Use FSD transfer deal and switch to a new model?
Until Tesla provides reliable dates, HW3 remains in waiting mode with FSD v12.6. But it is clear: As soon as the computing needs for true autonomous driving are defined, Tesla's retrofit program will start.
Conclusion
The HW3 upgrade will be one of the biggest retrofitting skills in Tesla's history. It combines new AI chips, existing vehicle architecture, and the vision of fully autonomous robotaxis. Patience pays off: Those who own their FSD package are now collecting data and can switch to AI5 power in the future – as soon as Tesla gives the green light.
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