Tesla released its 2026.26 Summer Software Update over the weekend, expanding Grok AI’s capabilities to control vehicle hardware directly for the first time. The update allows Grok to place phone calls, play music, adjust climate settings, open the glovebox, and answer questions about the vehicle through voice commands. Previously, Grok could provide information and answer questions, but now the system can execute actions on the vehicle, crossing a threshold Tesla had explicitly avoided earlier in 2026. Voice commands allow drivers to instruct Grok to place a phone call, search and play music, or adjust temperature and ventilation settings without manual input. The glovebox control suggests Grok can now operate physical actuators. Tesla’s navigation system in the 2026.26 update now learns and remembers routes users typically take to frequently visited destinations, prioritizing routes the user has personally taken before. This personalization represents machine learning on the vehicle level, adapting to individual driving patterns without cloud uploads or manual training. The update expands Grok’s reach across climate, security, and entertainment subsystems, positioning Grok as a central control interface. Elon Musk has emphasized that autonomous vehicle systems require deep integration of AI across all vehicle subsystems. Tesla’s willingness to let Grok control vehicle hardware signals confidence in its AI system and marks a step toward more autonomous vehicle operation.