6 photos
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
Google has just pressed the go-ahead button for a new Android Auto update, and this time, we’re getting new builds for all users out there.
Android Auto 17.5 is live for both the beta channel and the stable ring. This means that users are getting a fresh build both if they are enrolled in the testing program and if their devices are configured to receive automatic updates in the stable channel through the Google Play Store.
However, Android Auto 17.5 aligns with the previous releases and comes without a changelog. This means that while the new version might show up on your device, it won’t include a changelog. You’ll just have to trust Google on this one and install it without knowing what it includes.
I already installed the stable version on my Google Pixel 10 Pro XL but didn’t notice any front-facing changes. This means that Google has most likely focused on under-the-hood refinements, which is certainly a good thing, considering the number of glitches reported lately.
Users have been complaining about a wide range of problems with Android Auto, many of which were caused by Gemini. The new AI-powered assistant, which will completely replace Google Assistant next month, can’t even run basic tasks and sometimes causes crashes that interrupt Android Auto in the middle of the drive.
Another bug that users have widely reported throughout the summer makes it impossible to run Android Auto without unlocking their phones.
The rollout of the new Android Auto builds is now underway, but if you don’t want to wait, you can get the beta and stable builds manually using the APK installers. Once the files are stored on your device, use the wizard on your screen to complete the installation. You won’t need to remove the existing Android Auto version from your device.
The next big thing in the Android Auto space is the update that Google presented in the spring.
Android Auto will get an infusion of new features, beginning with support for widgets. This feature was spotted on multiple occasions in beta builds, with Google now preparing the production rollout as part of an update expected later this year.
In addition, Google will also update Android Auto with support for video apps. This means users will be able to watch YouTube videos in their cars, obviously while the vehicles are stationary. When they begin driving, the video apps can switch to an audio-only mode if the feature is supported. For YouTube, this feature will only be available for Premium users.
The rollout of the new Android Auto updates will continue throughout the next few weeks in stages through the Google Play Store. If you want to download them manually, look for builds 17.5.1632 beta and 17.5.6632 (stable).