✅ Confirmed
Elon Musk
Noticia
Tesla plans to upgrade HW3 to next-gen AI, skipping HW4, but timing unclear
Elon Musk confirmed Tesla may skip upgrading Hardware 3 (HW3) vehicles to Hardware 4 (HW4) and instead wait for a more advanced next-generation AI computer. During the Q2 2026 earnings call, Musk explained the company is developing an intermediate chip with moderate improvements over HW4 and a much more powerful AI5 processor, with production expected around mid-2027. However, AI5 will initially be prioritized for the Optimus robot, not vehicles. This suggests HW3 vehicle upgrades could be delayed several years, potentially beyond the ownership period of many current HW3 owners.
- Tesla may skip HW4 and upgrade HW3 directly to next-gen AI
- Intermediate chip and AI5 production expected by mid-2027
- AI5 will be prioritized for Optimus before vehicles
🔎 Why it matters: HW3 is the foundation for many Tesla FSD vehicles, and skipping HW4 impacts future upgrade and FSD support capabilities.
📈 Upside: Tesla plans to deliver hardware more advanced than HW4, potentially improving long-term FSD performance.
📉 Risk: Upgrade delays may leave HW3 owners without improvements for years, impacting the FSD experience.
🤖 Automated analysis and summary. Every story links its original source for verification.