Google is constantly releasing new Android Auto updates, but new features often feel few and far between. What’s on the roadmap? In this post, we’ll break down new features coming to Android Auto.
Gemini will replace Google Assistant
Timeline: “In the coming months“
Officially confirmed by Google itself, Gemini is on its way to Android Auto.
As Google Assistant fades away, Gemini’s debut has been foreshadowed by code findings and early previews in the software, but it hasn’t arrived just yet. Google announced that Gemini would launch on Android Auto “in the coming months” in mid-May, but it hasn’t gone live just yet, with ever the latest Android Auto versions not yet showing support.
Gemini on Android Auto supports new features such as automatic translation and Gemini Live, which acts as a conversational assistant.
Related coverage:
- Gemini inches forward on Android Auto as UI surfaces in place of Assistant [Video]
- Android Auto 14.0 starts rolling out, prepares to replace Assistant with Gemini
Upgrades for media apps
Timeline: “In the coming months”
Announced at Google I/O, Android Auto media apps are getting some serious upgrades. By dropping some of the tight restrictions, Google will allow developers to do more to customize their media apps on Android Auto, opening the door to new functionality.
Spotify will be among the first to leverage this, with its “Jam” feature coming to cars alongside other changes.
Related coverage:
- Spotify will get a new Android Auto app ‘in the coming months’ with Jam support [Gallery]
- Google teases media app updates for Android Auto, and they look good
- Android Auto prepares media player change that might ruin your muscle memory
A light theme
Timeline: Surely it’s right around the corner
Having first appeared in 2023, Google seems to be still working on a light theme for Android Auto. This new theme would presumably be available alongside the existing dark design. The theme extends through the main UI as well as apps.
Based on the most recent manually-enabled peek, this new theme seems to be nearly ready for release, meaning it might arrive sooner than later.
Some have referred to this as the “Material redesign” of Android Auto. That’s not true. Google implemented (admittedly limited) Material You theming last year. It’s just easier to see on this new light theme.
Google showed off the light theme officially at I/O, but there’s no word yet on a rollout. In Android Auto 14.7, the code shows how users will be able to control the two themes, but sadly, there’s no rollout.
Related coverage:
- Google just showed off Android Auto’s upcoming light theme [Gallery]
- Android Auto 14.7 delivers the final prep for light theme, rolling out now in beta [Gallery]
- Android Auto light theme surfaces for the first time in years and looks nearly finished [Gallery]
Video apps for Android Auto
Timeline: “Soon,” at least by Google’s definition
At Google I/O, the company confirmed that video apps will be coming to Android Auto “soon.” That’s very vague, but we know two things. Firstly, video apps will likely first launch as a beta or pilot program, and Google’s definition of “soon” can mean everything from a few weeks to a year or two. Don’t hold your breath on this one, in other words.
Google has confirmed that video apps on Android Auto will only work while the vehicle is parked.
Related coverage:
- Android Auto gets video and browser apps ‘soon,’ more weather apps finally coming
- Google building audio-only mode for driving ahead of video apps on Android Auto
Climate controls
Timeline: Any time now, but the bigger question is compatibility
Another feature Google is working on – which we first reported earlier this year – is support for climate controls. Google was building out the feature over the course of a few months and, recently, the buttons were manually enabled to show what it all looks like.
It’s still unclear when this functionality is rolling out (or who even needs it), but the bigger question is how it actually works. Android Auto generally doesn’t have access to your car’s various controls, but climate controls would obviously require pretty deep integration which, as of now, we’re not sure even exists on cars that support Google’s platform. This one is very much in “wait and see” territory.
Related coverage:
- Android Auto update hints at temperature controls
- Android Auto 14.0 releases in beta with prep for defrost buttons
- Here are Android Auto’s upcoming climate controls [Gallery]
Local media & radio control
Timeline: Unknown
As we first spotted in mid-2024, Google is working on some form of local media and radio controls within Android Auto. Google has been building out these features for seveal months, with hints of controlling FM/AM radio stations, accessing “Local media,” and more.
These features have yet to surface (aka be manually enabled) in any functional manner, but we did spot some icons within the Android Auto app related to the feature.
Related coverage:
- Android Auto appears to be adding support for controlling your car’s radio
- Android Auto preparing Gemini Live support and ‘local media’ controls alongside radio
- Android Auto 13.3 update prepares support for radio stations
More calling apps
Timeline: Unknown
In one of its app updates, code was spotted regarding the addition of new calling apps on Android Auto. Specifcially, the code hints at “external dialer” apps. Information on this feature is incredibly limited, and there’s no word on when it might arrive for Android Auto.
Related coverage:
- Android Auto seems to be preparing support for more calling apps
- Android Auto getting WhatsApp calling with Pixel, Samsung
Controls for ‘Maps Alerts’
Timeline: Unknown
Hidden in a recent beta release, Android Auto laid the groundwork for controls over “Alerts” stemming from Maps. This appears to be related to Google Maps incident reporting which, for some, have been more annoying than they are helpful.
The code read as follows:
- <string name=”ALERT_SETTINGS_CATEGORY_TITLE”>Alerts</string>
- <string name=”NAVIGATION_ALERT_SETTING”>Get alerts for reported incidents and other conditions that may impact your drive</string>
Top comment by Arun Topez
Things I would like to see added to Android Auto:
Ability to close Maps (i.e. make music full screen, or let other apps open in the other pane)
Media apps allowed to truly customize their apps (ensuring to meet safety guidelines) - for example in Spotify, it's baffling how the Like button is hidden in the "..." menu, but shuffle button is always visible when that's one the least clicked ones?
Google Meet (notifications and answering calls) - If Teams & Zoom can do it, there should be no reason Meet can't.
Would love a Clock and Weather widget for wide screens (e.g. have music playing large on one side, and have the time in large font in one half pane, and the weather in the other half pane).
An option to add a background behind the panes instead of simply black.
Maps - See speed limit, and ability to listen and report incidents when directions are not in use (if Waze can do this, so should Maps).
Ability to change the pinned icons (for example, I rarely use the Phone app in AA, so it would be great if I can pin the car manufacturer's app instead or any other common used app).
No progress has been made on this feature as of yet.
Related coverage:
- Android Auto 14.0 releases in beta with prep for defrost buttons, Maps alert controls
- Are Google Maps incident reports too distracting? [Poll]
- Android Auto’s incident reporting feature might not work in your car – here’s why
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Last updated 7/3/2025
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