Musk Confirms Bigger Text Option Coming to Tesla Screens

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has confirmed that the automaker will add a large font option to its user interface, addressing accessibility concerns raised by a customer regarding screen readability.

What Happened

The confirmation came after Musk replied directly to a post on X by Stephen Fleming, who was demonstrating Full Self-Driving (Supervised) to an elderly neighbor. Fleming stated that while his neighbor was interested in purchasing a Tesla, the text on the screen remained too small for her to read, even when adjusted to the existing 'Large' print setting. In response, Musk wrote, "We will add a large font option to the UI." Tesla currently offers 'Normal' and 'Large' text sizes, a feature introduced in 2023, but Fleming suggested a need for a minimum 48-point type to accommodate drivers with low vision.

Why It Matters

This update addresses a potential barrier to adoption for older drivers, a demographic that stands to benefit significantly from Tesla’s autonomy features. For individuals who can no longer drive comfortably or safely, particularly at night, improved interface accessibility could make Full Self-Driving and future unsupervised robotaxi services more viable. While the current 'Large' setting exists, reports indicate it barely fits in some UI areas and remains insufficient for some users. Implementing a truly accessible interface may require layout adjustments beyond simple font scaling, such as larger touch targets or a more responsive UI design.

The Bottom Line

Musk has not provided a specific timeline for the release of the new font option, though it could potentially be included in the upcoming Holiday Update. The change represents a step toward improving accessibility for drivers with visual impairments who rely on Tesla’s touchscreen interface.