- The 2026 Polestar 3 will feature a new Nvidia Drive Agx Orin processor.
- Owners of the existing model can upgrade to the new chip for free.
- A software update enables Apple Wallet to ‘hold’ owner’s car keys.
Over-the-air software updates are pretty common these days, but when was the last time you heard about a complimentary hardware upgrade? Nothing probably springs to mind, but that’s exactly what Polestar 3 owners are getting.
In an announcement earlier today, the automaker revealed the 2026 Polestar 3 will come equipped with a new and more powerful Nvidia Drive Agx Orin processor. It replaces the current Xavier processor and allows for “even greater computing power.”
More: Entry-Level Polestar 3 Combines RWD With $67,500 Price Tag
While it’s not surprising to see the latest model getting fresh technology from the factory, Polestar announced the new processor will also be installed in existing vehicles. The hardware upgrade will be performed at Polestar service centers and customers will be contacted when a processor is ready to be installed in their vehicle.
Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller said, “The ability to upgrade the hardware of our cars when new technologies become available is the perfect demonstration of our commitment to deliver the very best ownership experience to our customers. With the Orin processor upgrade, the already outstanding Polestar 3 gets even better.”
Besides announcing the hardware update, Polestar revealed a new over-the-air software update for the 2, 3, and 4. Details vary by vehicle, but most are minor stability and convenience tweaks.
That being said, the Polestar 3 is getting several notable upgrades including walk-away locking, wireless Apple CarPlay, and digital key support for Android devices (Samsung and Google Pixel). Apple users haven’t been forgotten as they can now store their car keys in Apple Wallet.
This means owners will be able to “automatically unlock or lock, and start their vehicle while leaving their iPhone in their pocket or by simply wearing their Apple Watch.” On top of that, customers can share car keys with up to five other people via Messages, Mail, AirDrop, and WhatsApp. Interestingly, these shared keys can give full access or only allow people to unlock the doors, but not drive.
