Google is pulling the plug on Android Auto updates for some older telephones

You probably have an older Android phone, there’s an opportunity it may not assist the newest variations of Android Auto for much longer. In July 2024, Google introduced that to run the latest variations of Android Auto, your cellphone would should be working Android 9.0 or increased. Nevertheless, it by no means truly made the change, and its newest updates continued to assist Android 8.0 and above. Quick-forward greater than a 12 months later, and that’s lastly about to alter.

In accordance with Auto Evolution, with the newest Android Auto replace, model 15.5, Google has modified the system necessities for Android Auto to now require a tool working Android 9.0 or increased. This implies when you’ve got a tool working Android 8, you’ll now not obtain the newest Android Auto updates, and the final supported replace you possibly can obtain is Android Auto 15.4.

Presently, while you go to the Google Play Retailer, Android Auto signifies it nonetheless helps Android 8.0 or increased, however this may change when Android Auto 15.5 launches, which might be inside the subsequent month or so, as it’s presently in its testing part earlier than a broader rollout.

Android 8 is not extinct but

It is potential Android Auto may cease working solely on Android 8 in some unspecified time in the future

Though Android 8 was launched again in 2017, some folks nonetheless use it. In accordance with the newest Android distribution figures, about 4 p.c of customers are nonetheless on Android 8, with one p.c utilizing Android 8.0 and three p.c on Android 8.1. So, whereas it’s not a big share, it nonetheless has an impression. The final time Google up to date the Android Auto system necessities was in 2022, when it set Android 8 because the minimal requirement for the newest updates and discontinued assist for Android 7.

Android Auto model 15.5 is not a serious replace and primarily consists of bug fixes. You probably have a cellphone working Android 8, you will not be lacking out on a lot simply but. Nevertheless, this might change quickly, particularly as Google prepares to introduce Gemini to Android Auto.

It is price noting that whereas Android Auto will proceed to work on units working Android 8, there’s a likelihood that Google could finally discontinue assist solely. This implies not solely will Android 8 units now not obtain Android Auto updates, nevertheless it may also cease functioning correctly, as has occurred up to now with units working Android 7 and older.

When you’re nonetheless working Android 8 and do not need to miss out on the newest Android Auto updates, your predominant choices are to replace to Android 9 in case your machine helps it or to improve to a more moderen machine working a extra present model of Android, comparable to Android 15 or Android 16.

For these new to Android Auto, it is an app that shows a few of your cellphone’s options in your automotive’s infotainment display screen. This enables safer use of sure apps whereas driving, together with navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps, in addition to music streaming companies comparable to Spotify and YouTube Music. It’s much like Apple CarPlay, which presents a comparable expertise for iPhones.