Tesla’s next-generation Optimus humanoid robot has seemingly made an early debut, as new 3D design assets have surfaced within the Android version of Tesla’s mobile app. These assets provide a glimpse into the design of Optimus Gen 3, showcasing notable changes from its predecessors.
The revelation originated from a now-deleted post on X by user @wholemars, who extracted these assets from the Tesla Android app APK. Among the files were renders labeled “gen3,” alongside images of Optimus Gen 2.5 and Gen 3 positioned side by side, facilitating a comparison of the two generations.
Unlike typical spy photos or unofficial concept designs, these assets appear to be official design and UI elements embedded within the app’s publicly distributed package.
What’s changed
One of the most striking transformations is the cleaner aesthetic of the robot, featuring completely enclosed joints that replace the previously visible actuators and mechanical components found in earlier models of Optimus. The torso now boasts a more unified shell, contributing to a smoother and more human-like appearance.
Further enhancements can be observed in the arms and hands. The renders suggest thicker forearms, while the wrists appear slimmer, indicating a potential redesign where some actuators have been relocated into the forearms. This change may involve a tendon-driven mechanism for finger control.
The legs have also undergone a redesign, showcasing more tapered calves and feet that resemble integrated boots rather than separate mechanical parts.
The Optimus Gen 3 assets reportedly began surfacing in Android app builds around August 27, 2026, with higher-resolution versions appearing shortly thereafter on September 5.
When will Optimus Gen 3 be revealed?
Tesla initially intended to unveil Optimus Gen 3 before the conclusion of the first quarter of 2026; however, that timeline passed without a reveal. In March, Elon Musk indicated that the robot was already capable of walking but required additional refinements before its public debut.
During Tesla’s Q1 earnings call in April, Musk adjusted the anticipated unveiling to mid-year, citing a desire to delay the reveal until closer to production. This strategy aims to safeguard Tesla’s innovations from competitors.
As the expected unveiling window has now closed without an official announcement, the emergence of these Gen 3 assets within the mobile app could signal that a public reveal is on the horizon, even if Tesla is not yet prepared to showcase the actual robot.
Additionally, Tesla has recently begun auditing suppliers in China for the production of Gen 3 Optimus, further hinting that a reveal may be imminent.
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