comma 3 in 2026
Where It Stands
Stock openpilot v0.10.0 was the last release for comma 3, which moved to LTS. Your device isn't dead — community forks stepped up. Here's the complete picture: what happened, who supports C3 now, and how each fork compares feature-for-feature.
The Short Version
On August 21, 2024, comma.ai released openpilot v0.10.0 — a landmark release featuring a new World Model-based driving architecture. With it, the original comma 3 (C3) was quietly removed from the supported hardware list.
The comma 3X remained supported through v0.10.3 (December 21, 2025 — the current latest release), but the gap widened further in November 2025 when comma 4 launched and v0.10.2 shipped with no update at all for comma 3X — that release was comma 4-only.
Going forward, comma.ai's development focus is clearly comma 4. The comma 3X is still receiving updates today, but the original comma 3 must use a community fork to stay current.
Timeline
Last stock openpilot release to support comma 3
New World Model architecture — comma 3 (C3) dropped from supported hardware. comma 3X (C3X) continues to be supported.
comma 3X still supported — UI rendering improvements
comma 4 launches — NO v0.10.2 shipped for comma 3X (comma 4 only)
Latest release — comma 3X still supported. New temporal policy model, 10x IPC memory efficiency
Community Forks Kept C3 Alive
Within weeks of the v0.10.0 drop, three major forks had already ensured the comma 3 would remain a capable, well-maintained platform. Each took a different approach:
Explicitly re-added C3 hardware support
FrogAi patched C3 back in and serves it from the same install URL as C3X. No separate branch needed.
Full guide →Dedicated C3/C3X release branches
Maintains release-c3, staging-c3, and dev-c3 branches — actively updated as of Feb 2026.
Full guide →Dedicated d3 branch
The long-running fork maintains a d3 branch specifically for comma 3 and 3X devices.
Full guide →Inherits via sunnypilot base
Ford-focused fork built on sunnypilot — carries C3/C3X support for Ford Blue Cruise drivers.
Full guide →comma 3 vs 3X vs comma 4
C3 and C3X share the same form factor and AGNOS-based OS. The 3X refined the camera system and added external GPS — key reasons comma.ai kept it in stock openpilot longer. comma 4 (November 2025) is a ground-up redesign.
| Spec | comma 3 (C3) | comma 3X (C3X) | comma 4 NEW |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoC | Snapdragon 845 | Snapdragon 845 | Snapdragon 845 MAX |
| RAM | 6 GB | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Screen | 6" 2160×1080 OLED | 6" 2160×1080 OLED | 2" 536×240 OLED / 1.9" 300 PPI |
| Road Camera | 8 MP | 8 MP wide-angle | OmniVision OS04C10 |
| Wide Camera | 2 MP | Dual 8 MP | Same triple setup |
| Driver Camera | 2 MP IR | 2 MP IR | Wide IR (night) |
| External GPS | No | Yes (ublox M8) | No |
| Built-in LTE | Yes (nano-SIM) | Yes (nano-SIM) | Yes (nano-SIM) |
| USB-C power | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stock openpilot | Dropped v0.10.0 | Active v0.10.3 | Active v0.10.3 |
| Released | Jul 2021 | Jul 2023 | Nov 2025 |
Feature Matrix — comma 3 & 3X in 2026
Stock openpilot column reflects v0.10.3 state for comma 3X. For the original comma 3, stock openpilot is no longer an option.
| Feature | Stock openpilot | FrogPilot | sunnypilot (c3) | dragonpilot (d3) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| comma 3 (C3) support | ✗Dropped v0.10.0 | ✓Re-added | ✓release-tici (limited C3 support) | ✓d3 branch |
| comma 3X (C3X) support | ✓v0.10.3 | ✓Full | ✓release-tici (limited C3 support) | ✓d3 branch |
| Latest driving model | ✓The Cool People's Model | ✓34 models via selector | ✓86+ via DMM | ✗v0.9.4 era only |
| World Model (v0.10.0+) | ✓Stock | ✓Included | ✓Included | ✗Pre-World Model |
| Always-on Lateral (AOL/MADS/ALKA) | ✗Not available | ✓AOL | ✓MADS | ✓ALKA |
| Speed Limit Control | ~Basic only | ✓OSM + Mapbox + Dashboard | ✓SLC with offset | ✓Speed limit support |
| Custom Driving Models | ✗One model only | ✓34 models (selector) | ✓86+ models (DMM) | ✗Stock only |
| comma Pedal support | ✗Dropped | ✓Full | ✓Full | ✓Full |
| Toyota Smart DSU (SDSU) | ✗Not supported | ✓Full | ✓Full | ✓Full |
| UI Themes / Customization | ✗Stock only | ✓Themes, icons, sounds | ~Limited | ~Some options |
| NNFF / NNLC lateral | ✗Not available | ✓NNFF per vehicle | ✓NNLC | ✗Standard only |
| Longitudinal tuning | ~Chill/Experimental | ✓Driving personalities | ✓DEC + custom | ✓Manual params |
| Web Interface | ✗None | ✓The Pond (port 8082) | ✗None | ✗None |
| Conditional Experimental Mode | ✗Manual only | ✓CEM auto-switch | ✓DEC | ~Partial |
| ZSS (Zoom Steering Sensor) | ✗Not supported | ✓Full | ~Community patches | ✗Not supported |
| Active C3 maintenance | ✓C3X in v0.10.3 | ✓Very active | ✓Very active | ✓Active (d3) |
✓ = Supported · ✗ = Not supported · ~ = Partial or via community patches · Last verified Feb 2026
Driving Models — What C3 Gets in 2026
The openpilot driving model has evolved significantly since 2024. Here's every major release and what it meant for comma 3 and 3X users.
| Version | Date | Model Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| v0.9.6 | Feb 2024 | — | Direct curvature output |
| v0.9.7 | Jun 2024 | — | Past curvature inputs for smoother lateral |
| v0.10.0 | Aug 2025 | Space Lab 2 | World Model Planner (replaces MPC), 500M params |
| v0.10.1 | Oct 2025 | North Nevada Model | World Model 500M→1B params, 2.5M segment training set |
| v0.10.2 | Nov 2025 | (none) | comma 4 hardware only — NO C3X release |
| v0.10.3 | Dec 2025 | The Cool People's Model | Temporal policy architecture, DM model trained on C4 data |
Note: v0.10.2 was a comma 4-only release — no new driving model shipped for C3/C3X. C3X users stayed on v0.10.1 (North Nevada Model) until v0.10.3 arrived in December 2025.
What the Forks Bring
34 models via in-car model selector. Includes all comma stock models plus community variants. Switch models without SSH.
86+ models via the Driving Model Manager (DMM). Includes stock, experimental, and off-policy models as of February 2026. The deepest model selection available.
No model selector. Based on openpilot v0.9.4 (2023). Stock models only — pre-World Model era. Not a good choice if model quality matters.
Key takeaway: No driving model is comma 4-exclusive. The C4's edge is hardware (LTE, no thermal throttle, new camera sensor dataset) — not model access. C3X users on v0.10.3 run the same “Cool People's Model” as comma 4 users.
Which Fork Should You Use?
Our opinionated take on the best fork for each type of C3/C3X driver.
FrogPilot
Best all-aroundBest for: Most C3 users
Explicitly re-added C3 support, massive feature set (AOL, themes, model selector, The Pond UI), single install URL for both C3 and C3X, very active maintainer.
sunnypilot (c3 branch)
Best for model varietyBest for: Power users, Toyota/Hyundai drivers
Dedicated C3X branches (-tici track); C3 has limited support since Oct 2025. The only fork with 86+ downloadable driving models via DMM, MADS, NNLC, DEC. Outstanding for those who want to experiment with AI models.
dragonpilot (d3 branch)
Minimal & stableBest for: Users wanting a low-friction, stable ride
Long-running fork, minimal-changes philosophy, ALKA (Always-On Lateral), screen recording. Good choice if you want closer-to-stock behavior with just a few key additions.
BluePilot
Ford ownersBest for: Ford Blue Cruise vehicles on C3/C3X
Built on sunnypilot base, tailored specifically for Ford. Inherits sunnypilot's C3/C3X support. If you have a Ford, this is the most polished experience.
What You're Missing vs comma 4
The comma 3 and 3X are still capable platforms — but here's an honest look at what comma 4 (released November 25, 2025, priced at $999) offers that C3/C3X can't match, even with the best forks.
1 Free Month of comma Prime (LTE)
All comma devices (C3, C3X, and C4) have built-in LTE hardware via a nano-SIM slot. The difference: C4 ships with 1 free month of comma Prime included. C3/C3X users need to subscribe to Prime ($24/mo) or use their own SIM separately.
1/5th the form factor
comma 4 is dramatically smaller than C3X — roughly one-fifth the physical size. Less windshield obstruction, cleaner mounting.
Snapdragon 845 MAX — no thermal throttle
Same silicon as C3X but with custom cooling and sustained clock speeds. In hot climates, C3/C3X can thermal throttle. comma 4 doesn’t.
New camera sensor (OS04C10)
comma 4 uses OmniVision OS04C10 vs the OX03C10 in C3X. Different sensor means C4-specific training data — driving model quality will diverge over time as more C4 segments accumulate.
Driver monitoring retrained for C4
The DMS model in v0.10.3 was retrained to account for comma 4’s new camera position and field of view. C3/C3X users receive the same updated model — the new training data just also includes comma 4 segments.
Instant mount adhesive
C3/C3X required a 48-hour cure time after mounting. comma 4 uses a new adhesive — no waiting period before driving.
Hibernate-on-disengage
comma 4 hibernates when openpilot disengages, preserving battery and reducing idle heat. C3/C3X stay awake.
External GPS removed (a regression)
Worth noting: comma 4 does NOT have external GPS, while the C3X did (ublox M8). If you rely on precise GPS via the device, C3X actually has an advantage here.
Bottom line: If you already own a comma 3 or 3X, it's still a great device with real fork support in 2026. If you're buying new, the comma 4 is the clear choice for longevity. If you want to stay on C3/C3X, FrogPilot is your best path to a modern feature set.
Driving Models on comma 3 in 2026 — Which Fork Brings What
When stock openpilot moved C3 to LTS starting with v0.10.0 (August 5, 2025), that release was also the debut of the World Model architecture — a fundamental redesign of how openpilot plans its driving path. The timing was brutal: C3 users were frozen out of stock openpilot at the exact moment the AI got its biggest upgrade in years. On stock, that's permanent. But community forks tell a very different story — and one of them found a way to bring the World Model to C3 anyway.
openpilot Version Timeline
| Version | Date | Model Name | C3 | C3X |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| v0.9.7 | Jun 13, 2024 | (unnamed) | ✓✅ Yes | ✓✅ Yes |
| v0.9.8 | Feb 28, 2025 | (unnamed) | ✓✅ Yes | ✓✅ Yes |
| v0.9.9 | May 23, 2025 | (unnamed, MLSIM arch) | ✓✅ Yes | ✓✅ Yes Last version to support C3 (original) |
| v0.10.0C3 DROPPED | Aug 2025 | Space Lab 2 | ✗❌ No | ✓✅ Yes World Model launch, 500M params. v0.10.0 = last C3 release (moved to LTS); C3X still fully supported |
| v0.10.1 | Oct 28, 2025 | North Nevada | ✗❌ No | ✓✅ Yes World Model 1B params, 2.5M segs |
| v0.10.2 | Nov 19, 2025 | (no new model) | ✗❌ No | ✗❌ No comma 4 hardware only |
| v0.10.3 | Dec 21, 2025 | The Cool People’s Model | ✗❌ No | ✓✅ Yes Temporal policy arch, big_* models added |
The World Model Gap
FrogPilot is the ONLY fork that backported the World Model tinygrad runtime to C3/C3X. It's based on openpilot 0.9.7 but includes the tinygrad inference engine from 0.10.x — the exact runtime needed to run World Model era AI on older hardware. sunnypilot's C3 branches are capped at the 0.9.8 era: no World Model, no tinygrad, no v0.10.x+ models. dragonpilot is even older.
If you want the World Model on a comma 3, FrogPilot is your only path.
Model Availability by Fork
| Fork | Models Available on C3 | Newest Model | World Model Era? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock openpilot | C3: None (last version v0.10.0, then LTS) / C3X: Active (v0.10.3) | C3: Last v0.9.9 (May 2025) / C3X: The Cool People's Model (v0.10.3) | ✗❌ No | C3X still receives stock openpilot updates. C3 requires a community fork. |
| FrogPilot | 34 models via in-car selector | The Cool People’s Model (Dec 21, 2025 · v0.10.3) / North Nevada (Oct 28, 2025 · v0.10.1) | ✓✅ YES | Only fork with World Model on C3 |
| sunnypilot (c3) | 14 models via DMM | Notre Dame (Jul 2024) | ✗❌ No | C3 branches capped at 0.9.8 era |
| dragonpilot (d3) | 1 model (stock only) | 0.9.4 era (2023) | ✗❌ No | Oldest base, no model selector |
| BluePilot | 14 models via DMM | Notre Dame (Jul 2024) | ✗❌ No | sunnypilot-based, Ford focus |
What is the World Model?
Introduced in openpilot v0.10.0, the World Model is a neural network (500M params in v0.10.0, scaled to 1B in v0.10.1) that replaces the traditional MPC (Model Predictive Control) planner. Instead of hand-tuned physics equations, the network learns to predict future states of the road, other vehicles, and the environment — then plans a path accordingly. The result: smoother, more anticipatory driving that looks much more human. It's the biggest architectural shift in openpilot's history.
Bottom line: If running World Model era AI on your comma 3 matters to you, FrogPilot is your only option as of early 2026. Every other fork — including sunnypilot's C3 branches — is frozen in the pre-World Model era.
FrogPilot Full Guide →
AOL, CEM, themes, The Pond UI, install URL
FrogPilot Installation →
Step-by-step install for C3/C3X
sunnypilot Features →
MADS, DMM, NNLC, C3 branches
dragonpilot Guide →
Minimal fork, ALKA, d3 branch
BluePilot Guide →
Ford-focused fork, C3/C3X support
Fork Comparison →
All forks side-by-side