Google is giving Android Auto a significant refresh, as announced at today’s The Android Show. The update brings a full visual overhaul, better entertainment options, and a more capable Gemini to both Android Auto and cars with Google built-in.
A New Look for Android Auto
The interface is getting a complete redesign built around Material 3 Expressive, the same design language coming to Android phones. That means custom wallpapers, expressive fonts, and smoother animations on your dash. You can also add widgets for things like favourite contacts, a garage door opener, or a weather summary, all visible while you’re actively navigating.
The biggest change under the hood is Immersive Navigation, which Google is calling its largest Maps update in over a decade. The map goes full 3D, showing buildings, overpasses, and terrain, while also surfacing lane markings, traffic lights, and stop signs to help with trickier maneuvers. The redesign also adapts to whatever screen shape your car has, whether that’s ultrawide, circular, or something in between.
YouTube and Dolby Atmos in Your Car
For the first time, Android Auto will support full HD video at 60fps, so you can watch YouTube and other video apps while parked or charging. When you put the car in drive, the video doesn’t just cut off. It transitions to audio only, which works well for video podcasts.
Spatial audio with Dolby Atmos is also coming to supported apps and cars. YouTube Music and Spotify are both getting visual updates too. The initial rollout covers BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo.
Gemini Gets More Useful on the Road
Gemini is now broadly available in Android Auto, and if your phone supports Gemini Intelligence, you’ll get access to it in the car later this year. The practical upshot is a feature called Magic Cue, which can read context from your messages, email, or calendar to answer questions or draft replies in a single tap. If someone texts asking for an address, it finds it and offers to send it back without you touching your phone.
You can also order food while driving. Google is starting with DoorDash, so you can tell Gemini to place your usual order for pickup, confirm it with a tap, and have it ready when you arrive. This is actually super useful and cool.
Cars With Google Built-In Get More Too
Vehicles running Google built-in are getting everything above plus a few extras. Zoom is coming later this year. Gemini can answer car-specific questions, like what a warning light means or whether a piece of furniture will fit in your trunk.
Immersive Navigation goes a step further in eligible cars by using the vehicle’s front-facing camera to track which lane you’re actually in and give real-time guidance as you change lanes or exit. Everything runs on-device inside the car.
Google says updates will keep rolling out to both platforms throughout the year.
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