Tesla Gives Up on Model S & X

Summary of Tesla Gives Up on Model S & X

by MKBHD

1h 52m•February 6, 2026
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Overview of Tesla Gives Up on Model S & X (Waveform Podcast)

This Waveform episode (hosts Marques/MKBHD, Andrew, David) covers a wide tech sweep: Tesla halting Model S/X production, shifts at Elon Musk’s companies, big AI-agent hype (Claude/Molt/OpenClaw), Samsung S26 Qi2 rumors, Apple removing an education Pro Apps bundle, Nintendo/Switch 2 nostalgia moves, and a recurring trivia segment that surfaces surprising tech history. The discussion mixes news analysis, product impressions, security and business-model critiques, and a light-hearted newlyweds-style game.

Topics discussed

  • Tesla & product strategy

    • Tesla announced it will stop producing Model S and Model X (to free factory space reportedly for Optimus robot production).
    • 2025 production stat cited: Model 3/Y ≈ 1.6M (≈90% of volume); S/X/Cybertruck combined ≈ 53.9k.
    • Tesla removing lane-centering (auto-steer) from base Autopilot on some new Model 3/Y builds — perceived nudge to push FSD subscriptions ($99/mo target).
    • Discussion of Musk conglomerate moves: XAI + X/Twitter + SpaceX dynamics and rationale (AI compute in space, Starlink/SpaceX revenue).

  • AI agents and privacy/security

    • Rapid hype around Claude-based local agents: Claudebot → Moltbot → OpenClaw.
    • Agents run persistently on local machines (Mac Mini / Raspberry Pi), integrate with your apps (email, social), and can act autonomously — big convenience promise, big security risks (prompt injection, spoofed owner commands, unauthorized actions).
    • “Moltbook” — a short-lived site/experiment showing agents interacting; lots of hype + engagement-bait claims; many real security concerns and many claims likely exaggerated.
    • Result: surge in demand for always-on small Macs (Mac minis).

  • Samsung Galaxy S26 rumors

    • Leaked case lineup suggests some S26 models may lack a built-in magnet ring (Qi2 / MagSafe-like functionality), implying Samsung might skip Qi2 on some SKUs.
    • Conversation about Samsung’s incremental updates and whether the flagship line is coasting.

  • Apple software pricing shift

    • Apple quietly removed the $200 Pro Apps Bundle for Education (Final Cut, Logic, Motion, Compressor, MainStage) — previously a huge one-time purchase deal.
    • Apple is pushing Creator Studio / Creator subscriptions (recurring revenue), mirroring wider industry subscription moves.

  • Nintendo & Switch ecosystem

    • Nintendo adding Virtual Boy titles to Switch Online Expansion Pack and selling a Virtual Boy-style headset accessory (replica / $100; cardboard $25), plus third‑party GameCube-like controllers for Switch 2.
    • Switch is now Nintendo’s best-selling console ever (discussion about Nintendo’s reliance on nostalgia vs. new IP).

  • Other items

    • Project Genie (Google) — procedural game environments based on prompt + image inputs (cloning famous game vibes; legal/quality questions).
    • Brief mention of SpaceX/XAI/valuation/merger implications.
    • Trivia segment: Wireless Power Consortium origins and other surprising historical tech facts (see Trivia below).

Key takeaways

  • Tesla’s product lineup is consolidating around mass-market Model 3/Y; S and X are being retired from production due to tiny volume and shifting priorities (plus factory repurposing).
  • Tesla’s product decisions are now entwined with broader Musk empire narratives (robots, rockets, social media, AI) — which produces odd corporate combos and investor messaging.
  • Local persistent AI agents are a real technical direction (Siri-as-it-should-have-been), but current implementations are extremely risky and many viral claims are overhyped or unverified.
  • Apple continues nudging users toward subscription models; the removal of the education bundle is a sign creators and students should evaluate timing of purchases.
  • Samsung may be conservative with some new hardware features (e.g., magnets/Qi2). If MagSafe-like accessories matter to you, watch the S26 spec rollouts.
  • Nintendo continues to monetize nostalgia (Virtual Boy, GameCube controllers), which delights some fans while missing opportunities to aggressively expand new IP.

Notable quotes / insights

  • “Nostalgia is ruining your guys’ taste.” — (on the Virtual Boy re-release and general retro hype)
  • “They’re trying to push people to spend the $99 a month” — (on Tesla nudging owners toward FSD by removing lane-centering from the base package)
  • “The perfect assistant requires giving up everything.” — (on the tradeoff between AI utility and personal privacy/security)
  • “This is the first inkling of what people want — a persistent assistant — but we’re not there yet.” — (on Claude-style local agents)

Action items / recommendations (from the episode)

  • Tesla owners (Model 3/Y): check current feature set of Autopilot on your build and be aware of any changes to lane-centering; evaluate the tradeoffs before subscribing to FSD.
  • If you’re experimenting with local AI agents (Claude/OpenClaw/Molt): treat them as high-risk. Don’t give access to sensitive credentials or full system privileges unless you fully understand the security implications.
  • Students and creators: if you rely on Final Cut Pro / Logic and the $200 education bundle still exists in your region, consider buying before Apple phases such offers out in favor of subscriptions.
  • Samsung-watchers: if MagSafe/Qi2 compatibility matters (accessory ecosystem), wait for final S26 confirmations before upgrading.
  • Nintendo fans: expect more nostalgia-first product drops (including quirky hardware accessories); decide whether that appeals to you.

Trivia & surprising facts from the episode

  • Fulton Innovation (the company that helped start the Wireless Power Consortium / WPC) originally developed their induction power tech for a water purifier / water filter device — not phones or EVs.
  • WPC’s high-power standard for kitchen appliances is called “Ki” (pronounced “key”) — designed for up to ~2.2 kW inductive charging for appliances like blenders/microwaves.
  • Historical nugget: an early Toyota RAV4 EV (late 1990s/early 2000s) reportedly supported inductive charging — an unexpected early experiment in wireless power for EV-like devices.

Episode highlights (useful moments)

  • Tesla Model S/X production stop and implications — deep discussion and numbers.
  • Claude/Molt/OpenClaw agent hype, demos, security concerns, and Mac mini surge.
  • Samsung S26 Qi2 rumor analysis (case leak → magnet presence inference).
  • Apple cancels education Pro Apps bundle — context and why it matters.
  • Nintendo Virtual Boy replica and GameCube-style controllers for Switch 2.
  • Trivia: origin of WPC and the “Ki” kitchen charging standard.

If you want a single-line summary: the episode is a mix of major automotive/product strategy news (Tesla scaling back flagships), a deep cautionary dive into local AI-agent hype and security, plus hardware rumors (Samsung, Nintendo) and a sign that big tech continues to favor recurring-revenue shifts (Apple, Tesla’s subscription pushes).