Tesla has released software update 2026.2.9, renaming several driver-assistance features to distance itself from the 'Autopilot' name amid regulatory scrutiny. The changes include 'Navigate on Autopilot' becoming 'Navigate on Autosteer' and the 'FSD Computer' being updated to 'AI Computer'. The update affects only text and names, with no changes to functionality.
Tesla released software update 2026.2.9 on February 28, 2026, introducing the 'Autopilot Naming Update.' According to the official release notes, 'This change only updates the name of certain features and text in your vehicle, and does not change the way your features behave.'
Specifically, the 'Navigate on Autopilot' feature has been renamed to 'Navigate on Autosteer,' and the hardware previously known as the 'FSD Computer' is now called the 'AI Computer.' This follows the retirement of the Autopilot symbol from the user interface last fall.
The renaming occurs against a backdrop of regulatory challenges. Tesla has faced accusations from regulators, including the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), that names like 'Autopilot' and 'Full Self-Driving' mislead consumers. To avoid a potential 60-day sales ban in California, Tesla removed Autopilot from new vehicle sales and shifted marketing to 'Full Self-Driving (Supervised).' The company is currently suing the California DMV to reverse the false advertising label. Similar issues arose in Germany in 2023. Last month, Tesla discontinued Autopilot for new orders in the U.S. and Canada, with new cars now shipping only with Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC).
For Full Self-Driving (FSD) users, the update brings users on FSD v14 to the 2026.2 software branch for the first time, making it the standard version for subscribers. This unifies the fleet as Tesla develops software that may not require driver supervision.
By renaming the hardware to 'AI Computer,' Tesla emphasizes artificial intelligence over programmed rules, aligning with its shift toward AI and robotics. These changes represent a branding pivot in response to ongoing legal pressures.
