Google is reportedly testing several updates for Android Auto, including redesigned cellular status icons, the development of a light theme, and the integration of Google Maps car icon customization directly into the Android Auto interface. These changes have been observed in beta versions and through APK teardowns of the application, indicating ongoing development efforts.
User Interface Enhancements
Redesigned Cellular Status Icons
New icons displaying cellular connectivity status are being tested within Android Auto. These updated icons feature a rounder design, incorporate new typography for cellular network types, and utilize individual bars to indicate signal strength, replacing the current shaded triangle.
This update aims to align the icon design with changes introduced in Android 16 and address existing inconsistencies between Android Auto's icons and those displayed on the connected phone's status bar. Older battery icons remain visible without changes.
The new cellular icons aim to align Android Auto's design with Android 16 and resolve current inconsistencies with phone status bars.
Light Theme Development
Alongside the icon updates, Google is actively developing a light theme for Android Auto. The presence of both black and light gray icons in the beta version suggests preparations for this upcoming theme.
These interface changes were identified in version 16.3.160744 beta of the Android Auto application.
Google Maps Customization Integration
Direct Customization Feature for Car Icons
Google Maps is preparing to integrate its custom car icon and color selection screen directly into Android Auto displays. Currently, users customize their navigation car icon—choosing from five modern and three traditional designs—and select colors through the Google Maps mobile application on Android. These selections then reflect within the Android Auto version of Google Maps.
The upcoming feature will allow users to access these customization options directly within Android Auto's navigation settings, under a section labeled "Driving avatar." This integration is expected to offer the same customization options as the mobile application, removing the necessity of using the mobile app for these adjustments.
Users will soon be able to customize their Google Maps car icon and color selections directly from Android Auto's navigation settings.
This development was reported based on an APK teardown of Android Auto version 16.2.660604.
Availability and Development Status
Features identified through APK teardowns represent work-in-progress code and are not guaranteed for public release. A specific release timeline for these features has not been announced by Google.
The direct customization feature is considered to be in late-stage development based on its discovery. These updates may be previewed at future Google I/O events.
While release timelines are not set, the direct customization feature appears to be in late-stage development, with potential previews at future Google I/O events.