Android Auto 13.5 debuts with improved support for non-cars, Lucid EV prep

Ben Schoon | Jan 7 2025 - 11:15 am PT

Google is rolling out the latest Android Auto update, v13.5, in beta which brings with it improvements to support for vehicles that are not cars, and more.

Rolling out now via the Play Store for beta users, Android Auto 13.5 is the first update of the new year, and brings some changes for users who aren’t in a normal car.

On the surface, Android Auto 13.5 changes many instances of the word “car” within the app to instead say “Vehicle,” as Google is explicitly improving Android Auto’s support for vehicles that are not typical cars. Motorcycles are specifically mentioned within the app’s strings, quite a few years after motorcycle makers started using the platform. Examples of this include “Connected cars” becoming “Connected vehicles,” the “Connect a car” button (pictured above) becoming “Connect a vehicle,” and several other instances throughout the app.

Realistically, saying “car” was always a considerable oversight on Google’s part, so it’s nice to see that finally fixed.

These are all user-facing by default in Android Auto 13.5.

Behind the scenes, we noticed that there are new icons for motorcycles, as well as assets for select brands. Geely, Leap Motor, Fiat, and others are mentioned, as is Lucid Motors. Lucid previously announced that the Lucid Air would pick up Android Auto support in late 2024, but the update does not appear to have rolled out yet as the automaker is apparently waiting on certification. This latest Android Auto update strongly suggests that’s nearing quickly.

About APK Insight: In this “APK Insight” post, we’ve decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we’re able to see various lines of code within that hint at possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We’ll try to enable those that are closer to being finished, however, to show you how they’ll look in case that they do ship. With that in mind, read on.

There’s no word yet on changes around “Car Media” and other in-development features, but more updates for Android Auto are certainly in the pipeline.