Android Auto could finally remember which number you actually want to call

“Call John.” Simple enough, right? Not quite, when John has three phone numbers saved under his name and Android Auto insists on asking which one you want every time. Even Gemini can’t spare you that extra decision. Fortunately, Google appears to be working on ways to make those conversations less repetitive, along with some welcome visual changes to Android Auto.

We’ve uncovered new strings in Android Auto version 18.1.164344-release.daily suggesting that users could soon choose a default phone number for contacts with multiple numbers saved.

Currently, selecting such a contact in Android Auto brings up a list of available numbers, even when they’re saved as a favorite. Gemini similarly asks you to specify which number to call. That helps avoid wrong numbers, but it’s less convenient when you almost always call the same one.

The latest strings point to a “Remember this choice” option, potentially allowing Android Auto to skip that selection screen on subsequent calls. Another message reads:

The placeholder would display the chosen phone number, while the message suggests users could change their preference by selecting the contact again. We haven’t confirmed how this would work in practice.

Meanwhile, the Phone app’s dial pad could be getting a Material 3 Expressive makeover. Check out screenshots of the current minimalist keypad alongside an updated design featuring larger, rounded buttons with distinct backgrounds.

There’s movement elsewhere, too. Following on earlier developments of Google’s upcoming Cielo redesign, we’ve spotted additional animation files covering sliding, fading, and scaling transitions for the dashboard and launcher.

These discoveries follow other Android Auto developments, including dual-SIM status indicators, potential Work Profile integration, and the recent rollout of Gemini’s Personal Intelligence.

Unlike the latter, the changes we’ve uncovered remain unfinished, with no confirmed release timeline. Still, remembering a preferred phone number could eliminate one small but persistent distraction behind the wheel.