Android Auto for phone screens is about to run out of gas
Android Auto’s deathcaused a great disturbance in the Force last year, as if millions of drivers suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. With Android 12, Google’s original phone-friendly UI for navigation, media, messaging, and more disappeared, leaving onlyAssistant Driving Mode and a handful of third-party servicesin its place. None quite measured up to Android Auto for phone screens, and unfortunately for drivers on Android 11 and earlier, their time has also come.
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Google’s warning for users doesn’t specify when the app is finally biting the dust, but the message doesn’t exactly inspire confidence for a summer filled with road trips. The message reappears each time the app is opened, even if you’ve previously swiped it away. It’s a pretty clear warning from Google: don’t expect this app to work for much longer.
Assistant Driving Mode has come a long way since its initial launch, but it’s still not quite as polished as Android Auto. The app finally added a home screen shortcut a few months ago, though I’ve seen it disappear a couple of times from my device — a frustrating experience, to say the least. Still, if you need to get around this summer, and your car doesn’t have a built-in display, you aren’t entirely out of luck.
Google provided us with the following statement.
For the people who use Android Auto in supported vehicles, that experience isn’t going away - and in fact we announced an upcoming major UI improvement recently at Google I/O. For those who use the on phone experience (Android Auto mobile app), they will be transitioned to Google Assistant driving mode which is our next evolution of the mobile driving experience. We have no further details to share at this time.
For now, drivers still relying on Android Auto’s phone mode might want to start looking for a replacement — it won’t be long until it’s gone for good.
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