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Why is Android Auto being discontinued?

What is changing and why

Rationale and context

Fragmentation and maintenance costs across devices, regions, and car models

The rise of Android Automotive OS and more capable in-car head units

Safeguarding driver attention by consolidating interfaces on the car’s display rather than mirroring a phone

Deeper integration with car hardware (controls, camera feeds, and vehicle data) through native or AAOS-enabled systems

Consolidation of navigation, media, messaging, and assistant features via Maps Driving Mode and built-in experiences

What you can use instead

Alternative pathways for drivers

Use Android Auto on a compatible car’s head unit where the car runs Android Automotive OS or supports modern Android Auto integration directly on the infotainment system.

Rely on Google Maps Driving Mode on your phone or within Maps in Android to access navigation, media controls, and messages without projecting to the car’s screen.

In vehicles equipped with Android Automotive OS, experience apps and services directly on the car’s built‑in display, independent of a connected phone.

Utilize the car’s native infotainment apps and voice controls (through Google Assistant or built‑in assistants) for calls, messages, and media playback when allowed by the vehicle’s software.

What this means for drivers and carmakers

Industry and user impact

Automakers may accelerate adoption of Android Automotive OS or more integrated Android Auto experiences built into head units.

Developers and app publishers may prioritize car‑native interfaces or Maps‑driven integrations over the phone‑based Android Auto pipeline.

Users living in regions with slower software rollouts should expect staggered timelines and feature availability tied to local support and device compatibility.

Summary

Is Android Auto being phased out?

No, Android Auto is not being phased out by everyone, but General Motors (GM) has announced it will eliminate it from its new vehicles by 2028. GM is replacing phone projection with its own integrated infotainment system, which will include a Google Gemini-powered assistant and custom apps. This is the first major automaker to make such a move, and it may set a precedent for others.

GM's decision: GM is eliminating support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in all new vehicles, starting with EVs in 2023 and now expanding to all models, including gas-powered ones. The company is developing its own native infotainment system with a focus on a unified, integrated experience.
Reasons for the change: GM's goal is to have more control over its in-car technology and user experience, including the ability to integrate features like advanced AI assistants and apps that might not be possible with current phone projection technology.
What this means for other manufacturers: While GM is leading this change, it's unclear if other automakers will follow suit. Some have already embraced the native Android Automotive operating system, which is a different approach that still integrates with Google's ecosystem but is not phone projection.
Current status: If you own a GM vehicle with Android Auto, the feature will continue to be supported for now in gas-powered models, but expect it to be absent in new GM vehicles around 2028, says ConsumerAffairs.

Why is GM dropping Android Auto?

According to this article, GM don't want to include AA on new models as they say the bugs and stability issues cause users to use their phones whilst driving when they're trying to get AA working again.

What has replaced Android Auto?

Alternatives to Android Auto include using standalone navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, or using third-party launcher apps such as Drivemode, Car Dashdroid, or AutoZen to create a custom car dashboard interface on your phone. For Samsung users, Samsung Auto is a dedicated option that offers a similar experience and integrates with other phone features.
Standalone apps

Google Maps: Offers comprehensive navigation, real-time traffic information, and offline maps.
Waze: Provides community-powered navigation with real-time traffic, hazard alerts, and incident reporting to help you avoid jams.

This video explains how to use Google Maps on a car's screen without Android Auto: 56sCars UnlockedYouTube · Apr 9, 2024
Car dashboard and launcher apps

Car Dashdroid: Provides a car-friendly dashboard interface for your phone.
Drivemode: Simplifies your phone's interface while driving, offering voice replies, large buttons for music control, and quick access to essential apps.
AutoZen: Another car dashboard and launcher app that provides a customized interface for driving.
Car Home Ultra: A third-party option designed to create a car-friendly dashboard with customizable features.

Other alternatives

Samsung Auto: A dedicated alternative from Samsung that provides a custom UI, app access, and phone mirroring capabilities, especially useful in regions where Google services are unavailable.
InCar: An app that offers a customizable interface with a variety of apps accessible directly from the car screen.
HERE WeGo: A navigation app that can be used on its own to provide directions.
Sygic: A GPS navigation app that works offline.

Is Google shutting down Android Auto?

Google discontinued Android Auto for phones to focus entirely on Google Maps. However, the driving mode wasn't received very well, with users criticizing the lack of features and the exclusive Google Maps integration (which blocked them from using other navigation apps).

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.