Tesla’s back seat audio update keeps the kids’ content quiet

A Tesla software update is adding the ability to connect Bluetooth headphones so kids in the back seat can enjoy streaming movies and shows without disturbing their parents in the front. As Not a Tesla App notes, so far, the 2023.38.8 software update with the new feature for content viewed from Tesla’s Theater app is rolling out only for the redesigned Model 3 that offers an infotainment screen for back seat passengers. The new vehicle launched in Europe in September but has not yet reached the US market. The latest Model S and Model X vehicles in the US do have rear screens, but we have not heard about the update becoming available for them yet.

For now, those who own a redesigned Model 3 can connect up to two Bluetooth headphones by going to the Rear Display app settings and tapping “Add New Headphones.” Once connected, back seat riders can watch streaming content in the rear-screen Theater app and listen through headphones while other media can be played on the cabin speakers from the front screen.

The software update also simplifies how to activate Tesla’s auto-steering Autopilot software by pulling down on the right stalk once instead of twice.

Standard Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) without automatic lane keeping is what typically activates when pulling down once on the right stalk in Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. This change mostly impacts older model vehicles, as the newest Model S, Model X, and the redesigned Model 3 do not have traditional stalks and only require a button press on the steering wheel to activate Autopilot.