Google announced a series of feature updates for Android Auto and vehicles with Google built-in, scheduled for release alongside the Android 17 update throughout 2026. The update introduces expanded customization through Material 3 Expressive design, allowing users to sync fonts, wallpapers, and animations from their smartphones. New functionality includes customizable widgets created via text prompts, which enable one-tap control for tasks like garage door operation and weather tracking. Google Maps has been upgraded with immersive 3D views of terrain and buildings, while also adding active highlights for traffic lights, lanes, and stop signs to improve driver awareness. The updated mapping system is designed to adapt to various screen shapes, including ultrawide and circular displays.

The update includes deeper integration with Gemini AI, supporting productivity tasks such as brainstorming and remote work management. Later this year, Android Auto will add support for Gemini Intelligence, which uses context from apps like email and messages to provide accurate responses. This capability is powered by Magic Cue, an AI feature currently found on the Google Pixel 10. Additionally, users can place food orders directly via integrated platforms like Doordash. Entertainment features are also expanding, with support for 60 fps full HD video playback on apps like YouTube in vehicles from manufacturers including BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo.

Safety-focused features include a seamless transition from video to audio when the vehicle shifts from parked to drive mode, requiring a YouTube Premium subscription. Enhanced audio experiences are provided through Dolby Atmos integration, rolling out to supported models from OEMs such as BMW, Genesis, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo. Cars with Google built-in gain additional capabilities, including direct access to video and meeting apps like Zoom. These vehicles also feature advanced diagnostics for troubleshooting car issues and Immersive Navigation, which utilizes live lane guidance sourced from the vehicle's front-facing camera.

Google announced a series of feature updates for Android Auto and vehicles with Google built-in, scheduled for release alongside the Android 17 update throughout 2026. The update introduces expanded customization through Material 3 Expressive design, allowing users to sync fonts, wallpapers, and animations from their smartphones. New functionality includes customizable widgets created via text prompts, which enable one-tap control for tasks like garage door operation and weather tracking. Google Maps has been upgraded with immersive 3D views of terrain and buildings, while also adding active highlights for traffic lights, lanes, and stop signs to improve driver awareness. The updated mapping system is designed to adapt to various screen shapes, including ultrawide and circular displays.

The update includes deeper integration with Gemini AI, supporting productivity tasks such as brainstorming and remote work management. Later this year, Android Auto will add support for Gemini Intelligence, which uses context from apps like email and messages to provide accurate responses. This capability is powered by Magic Cue, an AI feature currently found on the Google Pixel 10. Additionally, users can place food orders directly via integrated platforms like Doordash. Entertainment features are also expanding, with support for 60 fps full HD video playback on apps like YouTube in vehicles from manufacturers including BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo.

Safety-focused features include a seamless transition from video to audio when the vehicle shifts from parked to drive mode, requiring a YouTube Premium subscription. Enhanced audio experiences are provided through Dolby Atmos integration, rolling out to supported models from OEMs such as BMW, Genesis, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo. Cars with Google built-in gain additional capabilities, including direct access to video and meeting apps like Zoom. These vehicles also feature advanced diagnostics for troubleshooting car issues and Immersive Navigation, which utilizes live lane guidance sourced from the vehicle's front-facing camera.