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: More news at Google I/O
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. From what we’ve seen, Google appears to be replacing Assistant with Gemini completely on Android Auto, and it also appears that Gemini Live functionality will be supported in the car as well.
While confidence that this was coming was already high, Google outright confirmed that Gemini would be coming to Android Auto (and Android Autotmotive) in recent announcements, including its Google I/O 2025 teasers. Presumably, more information on this release will be coming at I/O which takes place from May 20-21.
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A light theme
Timeline: Sooner than later, but unknown
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.
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Climate controls
Timeline: Any day 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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
Alerts Get alerts for reported incidents and other conditions that may impact your drive
No progress has been made on this feature as of yet.
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