Tesla has finally expanded its Sentry Mode surveillance system to include footage from the B-pillar cameras. 2025 Spring Update (2025.14.1) brings this much-anticipated feature to the security arsenal, but there’s a major limitation that will leave many Tesla owners disappointed.
The update transforms Tesla’s Sentry Mode into what could be considered a true 360-degree security system by adding crucial side viewpoints. These B-pillar cameras, positioned between the front and rear doors, offer what might be the most valuable angles for security footage—especially for capturing license plates of vehicles parked alongside yours during an incident.
Despite initial rumors suggesting broader compatibility, Tesla’s B-pillar Sentry Mode recording is exclusively available for vehicles equipped with Tesla’s newest HW4/AI4 computer architecture. Contrary to earlier reports, vehicles with HW3 components—even those with the AMD Ryzen chips—won’t receive this capability.
This limitation creates a clear technological divide in Tesla’s fleet. Owners of older vehicles are effectively locked out of what represents a significant security improvement, regardless of their vehicles’ computing power.
The Cybertruck situation adds another layer of confusion to Tesla’s B-pillar Sentry Mode rollout. Tesla’s newest vehicle isn’t currently supported either, despite its premium positioning in the lineup.
The core issue appears to stem from fundamental changes to how Tesla processes security footage. Updated Sentry Mode system bypasses the Media Control Unit (MCU) and routes video directly to the Autopilot computer—representing a major architectural shift in how the feature functions.
This engineering change delivers significant efficiency improvements but requires substantial software modifications. Tesla’s approach prioritizes forward-looking hardware compatibility over supporting its existing fleet.
Tesla Spring Software Update 2025
Legacy Model S and Model X owners face even more restrictions, as several other features in the 2025.14 update—including Blind Spot Camera on the instrument cluster, Save Trunk Height Based on Location, and Keep Accessory Power On—are limited to newer variants of these vehicles.
For Tesla drivers hoping for B-pillar protection, the hardware hurdle means many will simply have to wait next updates or until their next vehicle purchase for full Sentry coverage.
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