Android Auto gets revamped
A major update is on the horizon for Android Auto. In doing so, Google is working on several improvements. The revamped interface is more in line with Android's own design. For instance, your own fonts and background image will now appear on the car's screen. In addition, menus and animations are rendered more fluidly thanks to elements from Material 3 Expressive, Google's latest design language.
The layout also changes. The app bar now floats over the screen instead of being fixed to the side. Notifications, music controls and other components appear transparently on top of Google Maps, keeping navigation more central. Android Auto can also fill the full screen of compatible cars, instead of being stuck within a smaller frame.
Another big addition is support for widgets. This will soon allow you to put, for example, a clock, weather information, smart home controls or favourite contacts directly on the dashboard. The widgets will be displayed in a scrollable view next to navigation information.
Later this year, video apps will also come to Android Auto. Think of apps like YouTube, which can play Full HD video at up to 60 frames per second when the car is stationary. As soon as you start driving, these apps automatically switch to an audio-only mode. The feature first appears on models from brands such as BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.
Google is also expanding audio capabilities with support for Dolby Atmos in suitable cars and apps. Music apps such as Spotify and YouTube Music will also get more freedom in their design within Android Auto.
Furthermore, AI is playing a bigger role. Google is bringing new Gemini features to Android Auto later this year. With these, the system should better understand what you want to do. For example, you can use voice to share an address from a message or start an order on the go without having to manually navigate through apps.
Google does not yet mention an exact release date, but confirms that the new features will be rolled out over 2026.
