I think you're a bit confused about what's going on. Autopilot, FSD and FSD Beta are all different things.
Autopilot is advanced cruise control, built-in and sold everywhere with each car.
FSD is a software package you can add. It can do a few things, change lanes on highways, chime when the green light comes on and you haven't moved for a few seconds, etc. You can buy FSD anywhere, but not all the features are available everywhere. Overall, it doesn't do much right now. FSD Beta is a testing program you apply to and can join if you have a good driving record and are selected. Only in the US. There's at most low-digit thousands of people who have access to this, fewer that actually use it.
Article is about the last bit only. Not being able to test FSD in California only is probably a pain, but won't impact much. Allowing people to test the beta only started a few months ago.
Autopilot is advanced cruise control, built-in and sold everywhere with each car.
FSD is a software package you can add. It can do a few things, change lanes on highways, chime when the green light comes on and you haven't moved for a few seconds, etc. You can buy FSD anywhere, but not all the features are available everywhere. Overall, it doesn't do much right now. FSD Beta is a testing program you apply to and can join if you have a good driving record and are selected. Only in the US. There's at most low-digit thousands of people who have access to this, fewer that actually use it.
Article is about the last bit only. Not being able to test FSD in California only is probably a pain, but won't impact much. Allowing people to test the beta only started a few months ago.