What’s Tesla hiding in its vehicle software? Firmware analyst “greentheonly” unearthed something intriguing while examining Tesla’s code. A new camera identifier called IMX00N is replacing the older IMX963 sensor in pre-release software versions. This revelation appeared in late 2024 and early 2025 updates across multiple vehicle production logs.
The current IMX963 camera is a 5-megapixel sensor used in Tesla’s HW4 and AI4 vehicles. It’s better than the older 1.2-megapixel AR0136 cameras from HW3. The IMX963 can capture about 110 to 120 decibels of vibrant range, which helps it see clearly in bright sunlight and dark shadows. It uses a special color filter array called RCCC that helps recognize traffic signs and lights.
Tesla’s IMX963 cameras deliver 5-megapixel clarity with superior dynamic range, enabling precise detection across challenging lighting conditions.
The new IMX00N designation is strange. It doesn’t appear in Sony’s official product database, and it sounds more like an internal placeholder name than a real part number. This suggests Tesla might’ve customized the camera specifically for its needs. The fact that it’s replacing IMX963 in the firmware tells us something significant is coming. CEO Elon Musk has emphasized the importance of this technology upgrade as Tesla prepares for its next generation of autonomous systems.
The IMX00N is expected to debut in Tesla’s upcoming AI5 self-driving hardware platform. New Model 3 and Model Y vehicles will likely use these upgraded cameras. The side repeater cameras are specifically targeted for this upgrade, as they contribute vital surround imagery for autonomous driving systems.
What can we expect? The new sensor probably offers higher resolution than today’s 5-megapixel standard. It likely captures better detail in dark conditions and handles bright headlights more effectively. The camera might also reduce motion blur and glare issues. However, Tesla hasn’t shared the exact specifications yet.
This upgrade matters because it could create a gap between older HW4 vehicles and newer AI5 ones. Different hardware might perform differently with Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features. Even features like Sentry Mode could improve with better cameras. The firmware changes suggest this isn’t a simple retrofit. Tesla appears to be preparing for a major shift in how its vehicles see the road ahead.