Tesla is sticking to improving its in-car software, aka operating experience, with the 2025.8.4 update, which brings a lively user interface (UI) upgrade to vehicles powered by Intel Atom processors. This update adds UI exposure, a feature that more modern Tesla cars with the newer AMD Ryzen chips have had, to older vehicles, providing a less cluttered and modern visual experience.
Tesla’s UI transparency functions pretty neatly, enhancing the interface by allowing a small background through the menus and panels. This design gives a more immersive and attractive in-vehicle experience and also enhances the visual experience of Tesla’s in-car display system.
Before, this capability was reserved for computers that utilized the AMD Ryzen chip, released in 2021, and had enhanced graphics services compared with the previous Intel Atom program. The move to bring UI transparency to Intel Atom-powered Teslas also suggests that Tesla is keen on enhancing the experience for owners of older models.
Which Vehicles Benefit from This Update?
Tesla swapped Intel Atom processors for AMD Ryzen across its lineup in 2021. However, there were many Tesla Model 3 and Model Y buyers before this transition, as well as some Model S and Model X, still using Intel x86 Atom. Following the 2025.8.4 update, these vehicles are also going to get UI transparency, decreasing the visual differential between less recent and more recent Tesla models.
Also, transparency on Intel Atom ! pic.twitter.com/NJGbFkh8Ij
— R. 🇨🇭 (@AKirbo320) March 26, 2025
This update is especially relevant for the owners who have seen a visual disparity between Intel Atom and AMD Ryzen vehicles. Where the performance variance between the two processors is still intact, the UI transparency feature at the same time helps consolidate user experience across device generations.
Other Features of 2025.8.4 Update
Update 2025.8.4 brings several other changes and enhancements across various models.
Standard Ride & Handling in Autopilot
For the new Model 3 Performance, the vehicle now automatically switches to Standard Ride & Handling when Autopilot is turned on, for improved ride quality. This is turned on by default but can be switched off at Controls > Dynamics > Use Standard Ride & Handling in Autopilot.
Steer-by-Wire Improvements
The steering system supplies more real-world response, evolves for different road surfaces, for a better driving experience. But this feature is currently exclusive to only Cybertruck.
Adjust Ride Height via Tesla App
Cybertruck owners can now adjust the air suspension ride height directly from their phones. Ensure the phone key is paired and connected, and that the Tesla App is updated to version 4.42.5 or later. Access this feature through Controls > Ride Height in the app.
Improved Rainbow Road
The ‘Rainbow Road’ feature, which changes the vehicle’s path display from blue to a rainbow when on Autopilot, has been enhanced for a more engaging visual experience.
Tesla Rolls Out Redesigned Rainbow Road in 2025.8+ Software Update
Bluetooth Player Interface
The Bluetooth app now displays other available music services beneath the connected device, allowing for quicker access to alternative audio sources. Tapping a music service icon will switch to the selected service.
The Future of Tesla’s Software Support
Tesla’s decision to improve the UI for Intel Atom vehicles raises questions about future software support for older models. As Tesla keeps advancing graphics and processing capabilities, there may come a point at which Intel Atom-powered cars cannot handle the most current UI improvements.
Despite this, Tesla is one of the few automakers that have consistently delivered real software updates after the purchase of the vehicle. The 2025.8.4 update demonstrates that Tesla is really willing to optimize its software experience even for vehicles that are several years old.
