That's pretty well understood, however it looks like a déjà vu about when they were distracted by the development of the CyberSh*t. After all, it's not that the car is so perfect that all we need are improved lightshows, Tron and new Santa Claus modes.
Some balance is required, after all they are no longer a startup.
Besides approvals, is there really so much demand for FSD - globally? I mean, that's a genuine curiosity of mine: after the novelty effect has passed, do you really use FSD every day, every single drive? You never get bored of it?
I'm looking at it from a pilot's perspective: we already have that kind of automation, from after takeoff to full stop autoland in no visibility conditions. Yet, we disconnect it as often as possible, to maintain dexterity and ability to control it ourselves. Not just to be ready "in case of" failures (more frequent than one would imagine), but also because we really want to be proficient at it.
Personally, I use FSD every day, usually for most of my driving. The only times I turn it off are when it takes a route I don’t prefer or when it struggles near the end of a trip. I also recognize that not everyone wants the same experience—some people simply prefer to drive themselves, and there’s nothing wrong with that. As for why Tesla doesn’t release certain requested features more frequently, I don’t know the exact reason. But the lack of a traditional PR department definitely makes communication and expectations harder for everyone.
Tesla clearly has many features and improvements in development, but like any software company, they prioritize their roadmap based on internal goals. Paid features, like FSD, naturally get dedicated attention because they’re tied to a specific product offering. And it’s also true that Tesla sometimes makes decisions that feel aligned with their internal strategy more than customer requests. Their leadership—especially Elon—often makes ambitious statements publicly, which can create confusion when timelines or priorities shift.
I genuinely hope FSD becomes approved or supported in more regions, including parts of Europe, where regulations still restrict the system. Regardless, FSD has changed the way I think about driving and transportation, and owning a Tesla does feel like being part of where the industry is headed. I understand that some owners feel disappointed or left behind, but even without future updates, the cars themselves remain efficient, enjoyable to drive, and feature-rich compared to many alternatives. Tesla helped push EVs into the mainstream, and they influenced the industry to include more tech and convenience features at lower price points.
Before owning a Tesla, features like heated seats, cooled seats, or advanced driver-assistance systems were typically locked behind higher trim levels on many brands—Acura included (my previous car). Over time, more automakers have started including previously “premium only” features as standard or more widely available, and Tesla played a role in pushing that trend. Even integrated dashcam and sentry-style camera recording—once almost unheard of—has become more common as other companies adopt similar ideas.