You Didn't Purchase a Tesla to View Advertisements, Yet Here We Are | Carscoops

      Fewer than two years prior, Tesla eliminated the Disney+ app following Elon Musk's critiques of Disney CEO Bob Iger, but circumstances have changed.

      Tesla's recent update replaces its vehicle display with an animation from Tron: Ares. This has left some owners dissatisfied, as they perceive it as in-car advertising. While Musk previously expressed criticism toward Disney, he now appears open to working together.

      Tesla was a trailblazer in over-the-air software updates, allowing for new features to be added without owners needing to visit a dealership or service center. This innovation distinguished the brand and allowed its cars to evolve past their time on the factory floor.

      However, every advancement comes with its challenges, and Tesla's latest update exemplifies that.

      Currently, this update has not been well-received by owners because it serves as a promotion for the upcoming movie Tron: Ares. Welcome to 2025, where vehicles can also serve as mobile advertisements.

      This update alters the main display visuals in the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck. Typically, the display shows the vehicle itself, but after the update, it features a Tron bike, reminiscent of those in the movie.

      Owners can activate these new animations by accessing the App Launcher, navigating to Toybox, and enabling it. While the Tron bike is visually striking, especially with its trailing red light, it may come across as a desperate move by the company. This raises questions about whether Disney is financially compensating Tesla for prominently showcasing its new blockbuster within customer vehicles.

      The grid has expanded to your Tesla — Tron: Ares update rolling out now pic.twitter.com/oQvYSAFuLM

      — Tesla (@Tesla) October 10, 2025

      Tesla and Disney

      Elon Musk's relationship with Disney has been tumultuous in recent years. In late 2023, he criticized Disney's choice to halt advertising on X after his support of an antisemitic post. He also called for the firing of Disney's CEO, Bob Iger, leading to Tesla removing the Disney+ app from its infotainment system.

      Clearly, the relationship between Tesla and Disney has improved over the past couple of years, or this situation would not be unfolding.

      If someone had asked Musk in late 2023 whether Tesla vehicles would one day promote a Disney film, he likely would have dismissed the thought with a laugh. Yet, here we are two years later, witnessing the convergence of Silicon Valley and Hollywood once more, this time displayed right on your dashboard.