If you’re trying to make sense of the Volvo EX90 software update history, you’re not alone. Volvo’s flagship EV launched with big promises, and some very public software growing pains. The good news is that a steady stream of releases through late 2024, 2025 and into 2026 has reshaped the EX90 into a much more complete SUV. This guide walks you through that timeline in plain language and explains what it means if you already own an EX90 or are considering a used one.
Scope of this guide
Overview: The EX90 software story so far
The EX90 is Volvo’s first fully "software-defined" flagship. Under the skin it relies on a centralized computing architecture from Nvidia and a Google-based infotainment stack, plus Luminar lidar and advanced driver-assist sensors that depend on constant software refinement. That combination set expectations sky-high, and made the rough edges at launch more obvious.
Early customer cars in late 2024 and early 2025 shipped with incomplete and sometimes buggy software. Features like wireless Apple CarPlay, some driver-assistance functions (including Curve Speed Assist), and promised bidirectional charging were missing or disabled and tagged as "coming via software update." At the same time, owners reported issues ranging from digital key glitches and infotainment freezes to charging quirks and warning messages.
Volvo’s response has been an aggressive cadence of over-the-air (OTA) and workshop-only updates. Starting with basic stability patches in late 2024 and moving into substantial feature releases in 2025, the version numbers tell the story: 1.1.x for early stabilization, 1.2.x and 1.3.x for feature catch-up and refinement, 1.4.x for late-2025 polishing, plus a major 2026 jump for EX90s built with upgraded hardware.
Volvo EX90 software at a glance
Why software matters so much on the Volvo EX90
On a modern EV like the EX90, software isn’t just about nicer graphics or a smoother media player. It directly controls charging behavior, safety systems, range prediction, comfort features, and even resale value.
Four ways EX90 software impacts real-world ownership
From safety to resale value, versions matter more than you might think.
Safety & ADAS
Charging & range
Infotainment & UX
Resale & used value
Feature availability varies
Volvo EX90 software version timeline (2024–2026)
Volvo publishes detailed EX90 release notes on its support site, and owner forums have tracked when each version appeared in the wild. Below is a simplified timeline of the most important consumer-facing versions so far. Dates are software release dates; OTA rollout typically lags by about three weeks, and some builds are workshop-only.
Major Volvo EX90 software versions and themes
High-level view of how EX90 software evolved from late 2024 stabilization to 2025 feature catch-up and 2026 hardware-enhanced builds.
| Version | Approx. Release | Delivery Type | Headline theme | Examples of changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1.11 / 1.1.14 | Sep–Oct 2024 | Workshop | Launch stabilization | General stability improvements for early EX90 customer cars; groundwork for OTA capability. |
| 1.1.21 / 1.1.22 | Nov 2024 | Workshop | OTA plumbing | Improved over-the-air functionality plus more stability fixes; still mostly behind-the-scenes changes. |
| 1.1.23 | Dec 16, 2024 | OTA | Minor fixes | General stability improvements; first sign that regular OTA cadence was starting for early owners. |
| 1.2.6 | Feb 10, 2025 | Workshop | Big feature unlock | Wireless Apple CarPlay; digital key support for Samsung/Pixel; general UX and connectivity refinement. |
| 1.2.15 | Mar 25, 2025 | OTA | Polish & bug fixes | Trunk-opening reliability, reduced false alerts, display flicker fix, tweaks to exterior lights, wipers, AC charging, and occupant reminders. |
| 1.3.17 | Jun 16, 2025 | OTA | Feature catch-up | Abbey Road sound mode, HD Radio (US), Curve Speed Assist, smart charging, climate and connectivity fixes. |
| 1.3.18 | Jun 30, 2025 | OTA | Refinement | Further tuning of digital keys and occupant presence reminders; stability tweaks and HD radio improvements. |
| 1.4.12 / 1.4.15 | Oct–Nov 2025 | OTA | Maturity | GPS and connectivity robustness, climate logic improvements, CarPlay reconnection fixes, plus broader stability work. |
| 2.1.22 (MY26) | Jan 21, 2026 | Mixed | Hardware-aligned | Announced alongside upgraded 800‑V EX90 hardware and new core computer; normal OTA for MY26, hardware-focused for MY25. |
Exact availability and content vary by market, model year, hardware and trim. Always verify details for your specific VIN.
About version numbers
Key EX90 releases and what they actually changed
If you’re scanning a listing for a used EX90 or wondering whether your own SUV is up to date, a few releases stand out because they either fixed major pain points or finally delivered headline features Volvo had marketed from day one.
1.1.x series (fall 2024): Making the launch cars livable
Early EX90 builds shipped with immature software and, in some cases, missing or disabled features. The 1.1.11, 1.1.14, 1.1.21 and 1.1.22 updates were primarily about basic stability and enabling OTA updates. Think fewer random warnings, improved system uptime, and the plumbing needed so later, more substantial software could be delivered wirelessly.
Why this matters for used buyers
1.2.6 (Feb 2025): Wireless CarPlay and digital keys arrive
Version 1.2.6 was the first "headline" EX90 update customers had been waiting for, because it finally delivered wireless Apple CarPlay and expanded digital key support. CarPlay let iPhone owners mirror navigation and media without a cable, while digital key support for compatible Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones turned your smartphone into a key you could share with family.
This build was workshop-only, which meant owners had to schedule a dealer visit instead of waiting for an over‑the‑air notification. That slowed adoption but also allowed Volvo to control installation on early cars that might need additional checks or tweaks.
1.2.15 (Mar 2025): Everyday usability fixes
Software 1.2.15 focused on the kind of annoyances that don’t show up on spec sheets but shape how the EX90 feels to live with. It made the hands‑free and button‑based trunk opening more responsive, stopped the security alarm sensor from flashing while driving, and fixed a charging screen that could pop up unexpectedly in Park. Volvo also addressed center-display flicker between day and night modes and tweaked exterior lights, wiper sensitivity, AC charging, and seat‑belt and occupant reminders.
Look for 1.2.15 or newer
1.3.17 (Jun 2025): The big catch-up release
For many owners, 1.3.17 is where the EX90 finally started to resemble the SUV Volvo previewed years earlier. This OTA update delivered several previously delayed features:
- Abbey Road sound mode for EX90s with the Bowers & Wilkins audio system, adding an immersive studio-like listening profile.
- HD Radio support in the US, expanding station choice and improving audio quality.
- Curve Speed Assist (CSA), which allows Pilot Assist to slow the EX90 more smoothly for curves and roundabouts.
- A new smart charging scheduler that targets a chosen charge level by a set departure time, optimizing for cost, battery health and user preferences.
- Fixes for quirky behavior like Fahrenheit temperature resetting to 62° in the US and preconditioning timers that wouldn’t stick overnight, plus improvements to NFC key-card stability, connectivity and AC charging.
If you read early reviews calling the EX90 "not fully baked," many of the missing or half‑finished items they mentioned were addressed or improved in this release and its quick follow‑up, 1.3.18.
1.3.18 (Jun 30, 2025): Smoothing digital keys and cabin monitoring
Version 1.3.18 was a fast refinement pass on 1.3.17. It concentrated on digital key reliability, reducing "Key not found" errors and handling multiple nearby keys more gracefully, and fine-tuning occupant presence reminders so the EX90 behaved more consistently when parked. For families relying on the EX90’s child- and pet‑safety tech, that tuning matters.
1.4.x family (Oct–Nov 2025): Maturity and polish
By the time 1.4.12 and 1.4.15 landed in fall 2025, Volvo’s EX90 software had moved from "fixing what’s missing" to polishing the experience. Release notes highlight better handling when GPS signal is weak or lost, more robust connectivity, improved automatic climate logic in strong sunlight, CarPlay reconnection fixes between drives, and additional HD Radio tweaks, plus the usual "general stability improvements."
Owners who updated regularly reported fewer hard crashes of the center screen, more consistent driver-profile behavior (like seat memory), and smoother integration between phone, cloud services and the car. This is the kind of maturity you want to see before considering a long-term relationship with a complex flagship EV.
2.1.22 and the 2026 EX90 hardware upgrade
In January 2026 Volvo introduced software version 2.1.22 alongside an important hardware change: the 2026 EX90 moves to an 800‑volt electrical architecture and a more powerful core computer. For existing EX90s, 2.1.22 essentially announces a hardware upgrade path and aligns software with the new platform. For Model Year 2026 builds, it’s the "normal" update you’ll eventually receive like any other OTA release.
The higher-voltage system enables faster DC fast‑charging and gives Volvo more headroom for advanced safety, collision avoidance and driver-support functions via future updates. If you’re shopping used a few years from now, "pre‑800‑V" versus "800‑V" EX90s will likely become a key dividing line in pricing.
OTA vs. workshop updates: How EX90 software is delivered
Over-the-air (OTA) updates
Most EX90 releases from late 2024 onward are designed to install wirelessly. When a new version is available, you’ll see a notification in the center display and in the Volvo Cars app. You can usually:
- See what’s included in the update
- Get an estimated installation time
- Schedule it for later (often overnight)
The car needs adequate battery charge and a stable connection. During installation, it must be parked and cannot be driven.
Workshop-only releases
Some builds, like 1.2.6 and a few 1.1.x releases, are dealer-only. Volvo uses these when an update involves more intensive checks, hardware interactions or pre-work for future OTA flows.
In practice, that means:
- You may not get certain features until a dealer visit
- A used EX90’s feature set can lag if prior owners skipped visits
- It’s worth asking the seller which workshop updates have been performed
Make OTA work for you
How to check which Volvo EX90 software version you have
Check your EX90’s software in a minute or two
1. Park safely and power the car on
Make sure the EX90 is in Park, preferably plugged in, with a good cellular or Wi‑Fi connection. You don’t want to lose power mid‑update check.
2. Open the center display settings
From the home screen, tap the settings or profile icon. Look for a section labeled <strong>Software</strong>, <strong>Updates</strong>, or <strong>System</strong>, the exact wording may differ slightly by region and version.
3. Find the software version number
Within the software section you’ll see a line like <strong>Version 1.3.17</strong> or similar. Note this down or snap a quick photo so you can compare it to Volvo’s online release notes.
4. Check for available updates
On the same screen, tap any button to check for updates. If a new version is available, the EX90 will display a summary of what’s changing and offer to schedule an installation window.
5. Verify OTA vs. workshop needs
If your car is on an older branch and there’s no OTA update available, call a Volvo retailer and ask whether your VIN requires a workshop-only update like 1.2.6 or an early 1.1.x build.
6. For used buyers, take screenshots
If you’re evaluating a used EX90, politely ask the seller to tap into the software screen while you’re there and capture photos of the version and update status for your records.
What this software history means for used EX90 buyers
From a used-market perspective, the EX90’s software journey cuts both ways. On one hand, early bugs and missing features hurt initial perception and created some vocal critics. On the other, the steady 2025–2026 update cadence means a well-maintained EX90 can be a much better SUV today than it was when it left the factory.
Questions to ask when shopping a used Volvo EX90
These software-specific checks sit alongside the usual EV inspection basics.
1. Which software version is installed?
2. Any software-related repairs?
3. How does it charge and drive today?
Where Recharged fits in
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Browse VehiclesOwnership tips: Staying ahead on EX90 software
- Turn on update notifications in the Volvo Cars app and make sure push alerts are enabled on your phone.
- Keep the car connected, Wi‑Fi in your garage or strong cellular signal helps downloads complete more reliably.
- Schedule installs for times you don’t need the car, like overnight or during work hours. The EX90 must stay parked during updates.
- Pair software with service: when booking regular maintenance, ask the retailer to confirm you’re on the latest workshop-only release for your VIN.
- Document major updates in an ownership log. This helps with diagnostics later and can reassure a future buyer that you stayed current.
- After big updates, re‑test key features such as Pilot Assist, digital keys, and charging at your usual stations to make sure everything still behaves as expected.
Don’t ignore repeated faults
FAQ: Volvo EX90 software updates
Frequently asked questions about EX90 software
Bottom line: EX90 software and long-term value
The Volvo EX90’s software story is a case study in how modern EVs evolve after launch. Early cars arrived with missing features and bugs that annoyed some first adopters. But by late 2025 and into 2026, a series of 1.2.x, 1.3.x and 1.4.x updates, plus the newer 800‑V hardware and 2.x branch, have turned it into a far more capable and polished SUV.
If you already own an EX90, staying current on software is one of the easiest ways to keep the vehicle safe, pleasant to drive, and attractive on the resale market. If you’re shopping used, pay close attention to build year, hardware generation and software version, and don’t be afraid to ask for an update as part of the deal.
And if you’d rather not decode all of that on your own, working with a specialist matters. At Recharged, every used EV comes with a Recharged Score Report, expert guidance on software and battery health, and the option for trade‑in, financing and nationwide delivery, so you can enjoy the benefits of a sophisticated SUV like the EX90 without getting lost in the version numbers.
