HW3 Teslas run FSD (Supervised) v14 Lite, in wide release since 9 Sep 2026; HW4 cars run the full v14. Tesla said in April 2026 that HW3 will never run unsupervised FSD. The free computer upgrade Musk promised FSD buyers in January 2025 still has no date or price.
Last checked 31 Oct 2026. Sources: Tesla North America guide, checked Oct 4 2026, Not a Tesla App, Jul 21 2026, Not a Tesla App, Apr 24 2026, Electrek, Jul 22 2026.
| HW3 | HW4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cameras | 1.2 MP | 5 MP |
| Computer memory | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| FSD version (Oct 2026) | v14.2 Lite | v14.3.10 |
| Unsupervised FSD | No, Tesla said Apr 2026 | Not released for owner cars |
| Robotaxi network | Will not join (Tesla, Apr 2026) | Not open to owner cars yet |
Hardware figures: Tesla North America guide (checked Oct 4, 2026). Musk's 2019 HW3 promise and its verdict: HW3 vs HW4: Elon said HW3 was enough.
The catch: Slower decisions than the main v14 branch, because it is a cut-down model built for the newer computer.
HW3 owners can try v14 Lite free · checked 30 Oct 2026
Answer the three questions to unlock the link.
Our referral link gives a one-month FSD (Supervised) trial in the Tesla app. We get a Tesla credit too if you subscribe after it. Full Self-Driving (Supervised) requires the driver to remain attentive and does not make the vehicle autonomous.
| Model | HW3 (approx. build dates) | HW4 |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | Apr 2019 to 2023 (pre-refresh) | 2024 refresh onward |
| Model Y | Early 2020 to mid-2023 | Fremont from late May 2023 |
| Model S / X | 2019 to early 2023 | From about Feb-Mar 2023 |
Build dates are approximate. The sure check: Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information, then read the 'Autopilot computer' line: 'Full Self-Driving Computer' or 'Hardware 3' means HW3; 'AI4' or 'Hardware 4' means HW4.
“The honest answer, is that we're gonna have to upgrade people's HW3 computer for those that have bought FSD.”
Hardware 3 will not be capable of Unsupervised FSD. Buyers of FSD get priority for a future hardware upgrade or a trade-in discount toward an AI4 car; no date or price given.
Upgrading cars below Hardware 4 would make sense, to the next-generation board (around mid-2027) rather than to HW4; no timing, method or price given.
Independent fan project. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Tesla, Inc. or SpaceX. Figures checked on 31 Oct 2026 from the linked official pages; they change, and your address or account can change them. Not a quote. Referral links are ours: we get the referrer reward if you order.
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