Over-the-Air (OTA) Update

Last modified: Jul 31, 2026

An over-the-air (OTA) update delivers vehicle software or firmware through a wireless data connection instead of requiring the update package to be installed at a workshop.

What can be updated

The scope depends on the vehicle architecture. An OTA package may update infotainment, maps, phone connectivity, charging behavior, energy management, driver-assistance functions, or control modules. Some changes still require workshop equipment, hardware replacement, or a service campaign.

Downloading and installing are separate stages. Installation may require the vehicle to be parked, sufficiently charged, connected, or unavailable for driving. Owners should follow the on-screen release notes and conditions and should not assume that every vehicle with the same model name receives identical software.

OTA capability does not mean changes are unregulated or risk-free. Manufacturers need software-update management, version control, integrity checks, and safe recovery processes. See Vehicle Controls in Infotainment Systems for software-controlled vehicle functions and their interface implications.

Sources

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