Is Android Auto discontinued?
Android Auto is Google’s interface for using Android smartphones in cars and vehicles. It allows drivers to access key smartphone functions like navigation, calls, messages, and media while minimizing distractions.
Android Auto was first announced by Google at its I/O developer conference in 2014. After partnering with car manufacturers, it officially launched to the public in March 2015 with the Hyundai Sonata becoming the first car to support Android Auto integration.
Over the years, Android Auto has expanded to dozens of vehicle models across major brands like Ford, Volvo, Chevrolet, Honda and more. However, recent rumors have suggested that Google plans to discontinue Android Auto in the near future.
Rumors of Discontinuation
There have been rumors circulating in recent years that Android Auto may be discontinued. This speculation was fueled in part by Google’s announcement in May 2022 that it would be shutting down the Android Auto for Phone Screens app at the end of that month [1]. The Android Auto for Phone Screens app allowed users to access a simplified version of the Android Auto interface directly on their phone screens while driving.
Google’s decision to discontinue this phone-based version of Android Auto led some to speculate that the entire Android Auto platform was going away [2]. However, Google clarified that only the Android Auto for Phone Screens app was being shut down, and that Android Auto itself was not being discontinued [2].
The interface for Android Auto running on car display screens would remain fully supported and continue to receive updates from Google. Despite this clarification, rumors have persisted in some circles that Android Auto’s days are numbered. However, Google has not made any announcements indicating plans to discontinue the core Android Auto platform itself.
Google’s Response
Despite rumors of Android Auto being discontinued, Google has not made any official announcements to end support for Android Auto. In fact, Google responded to speculation saying, “Google is deeply committed to the automotive industry and will continue to work with our OEM partners to bring great user experiences built on Google services to their drivers” (Source).
Google reassured users that they are still heavily investing in Android Auto and its integration with Google Assistant. They announced new Android Auto features coming later in 2021 like scrollable carousel templates, custom wallpapers, and split screen functions (Source). Google’s director of engineering for Android Auto stated, “We’re going to continue to build Android Auto. We see it as an important part of the car experience and so we’re going to keep investing in it” (Source).
Based on Google’s public responses, they remain committed to Android Auto and its ongoing development. While the mobile app was discontinued, the core Android Auto system is still supported across auto manufacturer partnerships.
Ongoing Support and Updates
Despite rumors, Google has shown continued investment and support for Android Auto with new features and updates. At CES 2024, Google announced several upcoming Android Auto improvements including better navigation, new entertainment apps, and expanded Google Assistant capabilities (https://blog.google/products/android/android-auto-new-features-ces24/).
Google’s Android Auto website also highlights the latest features like Google Assistant voice commands, personalized recommendations, and integration with messaging apps (https://www.android.com/auto/). While Google has not provided an official Android Auto roadmap, these announcements signal their continued investment.
Recent Android Auto updates demonstrate that development is still ongoing such as the 2020 major redesign with a darker theme, split screen modes, and improved maps. Other new capabilities include calendar integration, group messaging, and picture-in-picture video.
Additional evidence that Android Auto is not discontinued is Google’s partnerships with car makers to embed Android Auto directly into vehicles. For example, Polestar and Volvo now include Android Automotive OS built on Android 11.
While adoption rates were initially slow, Android Auto has grown to over 100 million installs according to Google Play stats. With increased adoption and ongoing development, it appears Google remains committed to Android Auto for the foreseeable future.
User Base and Adoption
According to Google, Android Auto had over 100 million monthly active users globally as of January 2022. The company revealed that Android Auto was available in 150 different car models from 50 different brands in that same time period.
Adoption of Android Auto has steadily increased over the past few years. Data shows that 98% of new cars on the market support Android Auto in some capacity as of May 2023. Major automakers like Toyota, Nissan, and Hyundai have made Android Auto standard on most of their model lineup.
Surveys indicate positive reception among users as well. A McKinsey report found 85% of car owners who have Android Auto connect to it regularly or periodically. This demonstrates the value users find in Android Auto’s features and functionality.
Partnerships
Android Auto integrates with many major auto manufacturers and infotainment systems to provide its connected service. According to the Android Auto compatibility page (https://www.android.com/auto/compatibility/), Android Auto is compatible with vehicles from brands like Acura, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, RAM, Renault, Seat, Škoda, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
In addition to manufacturer integrations, Android Auto is also compatible with major aftermarket stereo and entertainment systems from companies like JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer, and Sony. This allows Android Auto to be installed in older vehicles through stereo replacement and integration.
At CES 2024, Google announced new Android Auto partnerships and integrations (https://blog.google/products/android/android-auto-new-features-ces24/). These include co-development with automakers like Volvo, collaborations on digital car key technology, and new media integrations with apps like YouTube. Overall, Android Auto maintains compatibility with the majority of the auto industry to provide connected services widely.
Pros and Cons of Android Auto
Android Auto offers several benefits for users and automakers. According to KBB, the main pros of Android Auto are“Android Auto: How It Works and Why You Need It”:
- Allows hands-free use of your Android phone in the car through voice commands
- Displays a simplified version of your phone’s interface on your car’s infotainment screen
- Provides turn-by-turn navigation and live traffic updates
- Automatically responds to messages so you can keep your focus on driving
- Provides media playback and integration with your favorite apps
For automakers, Android Auto provides an easy way to integrate smartphone functionality into the in-car experience. It also allows seamless updates via the connected Android phone as new features roll out.
However, Android Auto also has some downsides according to reviews on LinkedIn“Android Auto vs. Apple CarPlay”:
- Can be buggy or unreliable, especially with wireless connections
- Limited third-party support compared to Apple CarPlay
- May not integrate as smoothly with some infotainment systems
- Interface can seem cluttered on smaller screens
Overall, Android Auto makes key phone features accessible in the car, but the experience greatly depends on your specific phone, car, and setup.
The Future
With ongoing support from Google, Android Auto is expected to continue evolving with new features and capabilities in the years ahead. At CES 2024, Google announced several upcoming Android Auto developments including new navigation features like route sharing, easier access to suggested nearby spots, and more voice command capabilities (Google, 2024). This shows Google’s continued investment in the platform.
However, Android Auto faces stiff competition from other in-car platforms like Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa Auto, and proprietary automaker systems. As some automakers like GM plan to drop support for Android Auto in favor of their own offerings, Google will need to convince partners to maintain support and give drivers a reason to choose Android Auto (Warren, 2023). Continued innovation and seamless integration will be key to Android Auto’s future success.
Impact If Android Auto is Discontinued
If Android Auto is discontinued, it would have a major impact on many users who rely on the platform for a seamless in-car experience. Android Auto currently enables Android smartphone users to access important apps and services through their car’s infotainment system in a safe, optimized way. If it goes away, users would lose access to key functions like Google Maps navigation, media playback, and voice commands while driving. This would force many to resort to more distracting options like handling their phones directly while driving.
Automakers have also invested significantly in integrating Android Auto into their vehicles’ infotainment systems. If Android Auto disappears, it could leave both automakers and customers stranded since the infotainment systems were designed around Android Auto’s presence. New vehicles may no longer offer Android Auto compatibility out of the box. Automakers would need to find an alternative solution or platform to fill the gap. This could involve additional R&D costs and integration work on their end.
Currently, the main alternative to Android Auto is Apple CarPlay for iOS users. But CarPlay does not solve the need for an Android-compatible in-car system. Other options like Google’s Assistant Driving Mode offer some capabilities but lack Android Auto’s robust feature set and seamless vehicle integration. If Android Auto disappears, it could leave a huge void in the automotive infotainment ecosystem unless another equally capable Android-based platform emerges.
Verdict
Based on the evidence, it does not appear that Android Auto has been officially discontinued. Google has denied rumors of discontinuation and has continued releasing updates and adding new features to Android Auto. While adoption rates were initially slow, Android Auto now comes installed on millions of new vehicles and has an active user base. Google maintains partnerships with most major automakers to include Android Auto in their infotainment systems.
That said, Android Auto does face challenges in competing with wireless options like Apple CarPlay and built-in infotainment systems. It remains to be seen whether Android Auto will be able to increase adoption rates and provide enough value to users and automakers to cement its place in the market. But in the near future, it looks like Android Auto will continue to receive support and new features from Google.
For now, Android Auto users and automakers can expect the platform to remain available. However, Google may need to enhance Android Auto capabilities and expand partnerships to boost adoption if it wants Android Auto to become a ubiquitous in-car infotainment system.