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:
We’re increasing the modularity of existing templates to give developers more flexibility and options for laying out content. These improvements include expanded headers for better visual emphasis, such as on detail pages, spotlight sections that can be placed in scrollable areas to highlight specific content, and grid item variations to support different content types and states.
We’re introducing new components and template capabilities to help developers build even more engaging experiences. For media apps, we’re introducing an adaptive mini-player, so users can browse while still easily managing playback. Finally, we’re adding more component types including Chip and CondensedItem to increase the ways that content can be displayed and interacted with.
Google says that developers can apply to a beta program for early access to these expansions, but you’ll start seeing these changes first in some popular apps including:
- Spotify
- YouTube Music
- Amazon Music
- Gaana
- PocketFM
- TuneIn
Spotify and YouTube’s custom UIs were shown off last week, as seen below.
More on Android Auto:
- Google Maps on Android Auto now shows bigger labels on streets along your route [Gallery]
- Android Auto is getting a redesign that takes up your whole display, adds widget support, more
- I was excited for Gemini on Android Auto, until I tried it — it could be much better
Follow Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments