What’s Next for Android Auto in 2025? Major Updates and Exciting New Features

2024 Set the Stage for Big Changes

While 2024 didn’t bring groundbreaking changes to Android Auto, it provided a glimpse into Google’s long-term strategy for the platform. Google is more committed than ever to improving Android Auto, recognizing its importance in the automotive industry. While Android Automotive OS is slowly gaining traction in embedded systems, Google aims to dominate all areas of in-car technology—including vehicles without native Android support.

Android Auto adoption has skyrocketed, with nearly every new car supporting the platform—except for General Motors (GM) vehicles. GM has opted to exclusively use Android Automotive OS in its new EV lineup, blocking both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

As we move into 2025, Google has lined up several major updates for Android Auto. Let’s break down what’s coming next, likely in chronological order.

1. Car Media – A Central Hub for In-Car Entertainment

The first major update, expected as early as this month, is Car Media—a new built-in app designed to unify in-car media options under a single interface.

Currently, if you want to listen to FM radio or music stored on a USB drive, you must exit Android Auto and switch back to your car’s native infotainment system. Android Auto lacks the ability to access built-in vehicle media, making simple tasks like changing radio stations or playing offline music inconvenient.

With Car Media, Google aims to fix these limitations by allowing direct access to:
✔️ FM radio stations without leaving Android Auto
✔️ USB media files for offline music playback

Evidence of Car Media has already surfaced in Android Auto beta builds, and if Google follows its usual release pattern (like the 2023 Coolwalk UI launch in January), we could see it roll out within weeks.

2. New App Categories: Video Streaming, Web Browsing, and Gaming

One of the biggest and most anticipated updates to Android Auto is support for new app categories.

📺 Video Streaming (YouTube on Android Auto?)

In 2024, Google announced a beta program to introduce video apps to Android Auto—meaning users may finally get official YouTube support. Currently, video playback is restricted, though some users have found workarounds. Once Google launches this feature, drivers will be able to watch videos while parked, making road trips and charging stops more entertaining.

🌐 Web Browsing on the Infotainment Screen

Another major update is web browsing support, allowing users to access the internet when parked. This could pave the way for web apps and services like news reading or online shopping while waiting in the car.

🎮 Gaming with Bluetooth Controller Support

Google also plans to introduce more advanced games to Android Auto. While simple games already exist, future updates could bring controller support via Bluetooth, allowing users to play more immersive titles while parked. This would be a game-changer for EV owners who spend time waiting at charging stations.

When Will These Features Arrive?

Google has not provided an official launch date for these features, but since the beta program started in 2024, we expect the rollout to begin in 2025. More details may be announced at Google’s annual I/O Developer Conference, likely taking place in the summer.

What This Means for the Future of Android Auto

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Android Auto, especially as Apple’s commitment to CarPlay improvements appears uncertain. With deep media integration, new app categories, and enhanced entertainment options, Android Auto is evolving into a more powerful, all-in-one in-car platform.

As these updates roll out, the competition between Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will intensify—but for users who want more features, Android Auto might become the obvious choice. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to these exciting releases!