Alongside various other announcements at Google I/O 2026, we’re getting a deeper preview of major media app changes on Android Auto, as well as a list of apps that will be adopting the changes first.
Last week, Google announced that Android Auto was getting some major updates in the near future including a redesign, widgets, support for video apps, and more. Now, alongside various other updates at I/O 2026, Google is providing a closer look at media app changes coming to Android Auto.
A major update to the Car App Library used for developing Android Auto apps (including on cars with Google Built-in), v1.9.0-alpha01, Google is opening the door to major changes in the design of media apps which, prior to now, have been fairly standardized on car displays (for safety reasons).
Developers building apps for Android Auto will be getting access to new components throughout the experience, including expanded headers, spotlight sections, new types of progress bars, chip shortcuts, mini-players, and more.
Google explains:
