I'm confused. My Tesla, like all others, came with Auto Pilot. Currently, you can choose to pay and extra $12,000 for "Full Self-Driving Capability" (their exact wording). It says nothing about beta. When I bought mine, I was told I could add FSD for $10K extra, but was told it wasn't nearly ready for prime time, and I probably shouldn't get it, which I had already said I was not.
I'm not sure what you are referring to, but it has always been called FSD, and the beta started later.
Yes, the wording has been mixed up and we (posters here) have only added to the confusion.
The first part of your response is correct, the second half is the confusion that has perpetuated.
Tesla (as far back as I’ve seen but am open to be corrected if you can find otherwise) has only sold AP which didn’t used to be free/included (or some variation of that like Enhanced Autopilot) and “Full Self-Driving Capability” package. They’ve never sold something just called “Full Self-Driving” (FSD). That “capability” is how they’ve always hedged that package because it’s referring to the hardware & future software unlock included, not current abilities. This isn’t just “legalese” but the language mixups have perpetuated the confusion. Many have arguably complained this should include any future hardware upgrades like camera suite, MCU2, or for all of us now a future HW4 if HW3 is determined not enough. Personally, I see various sides of this argument and am just
because we are all trying to predict the future here.
We shouldn’t be ever using the term FSD in reference to anything currently existing, but instead here are the 3 terms Tesla used/uses and therefore we should be sticking to (but I know we won’t, haha):
Autopilot (or AP): this software suite of features includes TACC and autosteer. It’s a more advanced version of what other brands label Lane Keep Assist (LKA). Some parts of this are still considered beta by Tesla (designated in the car screen menu). This is now included with every new Tesla, but used to need to be purchased as a package, and at one time in the USA you could also purchase the Enhanced Autopilot package (and on top of that you could purchase the FSD Capability package). Some markets still sell the Enhanced Autopilot package, but it’s just a regrouping of the same group of features (or nerfed features in some markets due to regional regulations).
Full Self-Driving Capability (or FSD Capability): this is what people usually mean by FSD, but “usually” means often people are confusing this with that future promise of actual FSD or confusing it with the currently existing FSD beta program (more on that below). Paying for this package (when it was $3k, $10k, or now $12k) is locking in any future software feature releases including up to FSD when that’s actually available. During the HW2.5 phase, it also locked in a hardware upgrade to HW3. It currently adds a few more features on top of the (didn’t used to be) included AP features. Currently these include NoAP, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, Summon (both “dumb” and Smart Summon), and Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control. Many (if not all) of these features are still designated by Tesla on the car screen menus as in beta. But you are correct in saying this says nothing about the “FSD beta” program.
FSD beta: this is that “limited early access program” that’s not something you can pay for (but you do have to have paid for FSD Capability package/subscription to be considered). A couple years ago only some Tesla employees and some YouTubers/Twitter influencers (and maybe some “Early Access Program” members) got this. Then last Fall they opened it up to ~2,000 of the public via Safety Score 100 (many of us here got into this group), and have since kept opening it up to more cars. This is obviously designated by Tesla also as in beta, and includes the “Autosteer on City Streets” features that has been promised eventually (no exact timeline in the purchase/subscription legal terms) to all cars with FSD Capability package/subscription. This is what I’d understand as what you heard isn't ready for prime time.
Clear as mud?
I’m happy to help clarify if you have more questions.