After revealing the higher requirement over a year ago, Google has actually started enforcing that you’ll need to be running Android 9.0 or higher to install the latest Android Auto updates.
As we first reported last year, Google has been planning to raise the minimum required Android version to run Android Auto to Android 9.0 (Pie) or higher. Prior to this, the requirement was raised to Android 8.0 or higher in 2022.
However, the requirement wasn’t immediately enacted.
In the latest Android Auto 15.5 update, Google is now requiring Android 9.0 or higher.
This latest beta update moves the minimum requirement up to Android 9.0 or above, marking the first time Google has actually enforced the change. The folks at Android Authority pointed this out, and it’s also seen on the APKMirror listing for Android Auto 15.5, with Android Auto 15.4 still supporting Android 8.0. The Play Store listing also mentions that the app requires “Android 9 and up” if you’re signed up for the beta program.
It’s unclear why Google waited so long to enforce this new requirement, but the number of devices affected by the change has dropped in the time since. As of April 2025, Google’s figures show that just 1% of active devices are still running Android 8.0, with only 3% running Android 8.1.
Android Auto 15.5 is rolling out now to beta users and should land in the stable track within the next few weeks.
More on Android Auto:
- Android Auto update breaks media and navigation ‘Quick Controls’ for some
- Pixel Phone app rolling out Call Recording & Android Auto access
- Android Auto update adds full Material You color accents to match your phone [Gallery]
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