Android Auto is getting a massive Material 3 makeover with new widgets, video apps, and more

At the Android Show: I/O Edition 2026, Google has a ton of surprises, ranging from Gemini Intelligence to Googlebooks. There are new features for cars too, including the long-awaited upgrade that brings widget functionality to your car’s infotainment screen.

New features coming to Android Auto

Material 3 Expressive

Google says that Android Auto is getting Material 3 Expressive design, with expressive fonts, smooth animations, and wallpapers, making the transition from your phone to your car. This new UX also lends better adaptability to Android Auto, as the platform can now better adapt to car screens of any size or shape.

Home screen widgets

We’ve spotted Android Auto’s home screen widgets several times in the past, and now Google has finally officially announced them. With widgets, you can surface more information and actions on your car’s screen, even while actively navigating. For instance, you can add shortcuts to your favorite contacts, a one-tap garage door opener, a weather overview, and more.

That “actively navigating” bit is where Google Maps’ new Immersive Navigation feature comes into play, now on Android Auto.

Support for video apps and video-to-audio-only transition

Android Auto is also finally getting support for video apps, starting with YouTube. Users will be able to watch FHD 60fps video in supported cars later this year, starting with BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo.

Video playback is intended for use when the car is parked and stationary, such as during charging or restroom breaks. When you start driving, Android Auto will also seamlessly switch from video to audio-only in apps that support background audio. This lets you continue enjoying your content safely.

Dolby Atmos and music app refresh

Google is also bringing Dolby Atmos spatial sound in supported apps and cars, starting with BMW, Genesis, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo.

Google also says that media apps like YouTube Music and Spotify are getting “visual tune-ups” that make them “even easier” to use in the car. It’s not immediately clear whether this refers to their use of the Media Playback Template, which has been rolling out on and off since the beginning of the year.

Gemini Intelligence is also coming to Android Auto

Gemini is already here on Android Auto (though users don’t like it as much), and Google is now upgrading it to Gemini Intelligence if your phone has it. With Gemini Intelligence, your car (through your phone) understands your context, anticipates your needs, and gets things done on your behalf.

For instance, if you get a text from a friend asking for an address, the Magic Cue feature on Android Auto will understand the context of the question, find the answer using information from your text messages, email, or calendar, and offer to send a reply with the right information, all in a single tap.

You’ll also be able to automate tasks, like ordering DoorDash while driving, using only your voice with Android Auto.

Cars with Google built-in are also getting many of these features

Cars with Google built-in will also be getting the improved media apps, seamless video-to-audio transition, and even access to meeting apps like Zoom, this year.

Google Maps’ Immersive Navigation on eligible cars with Google built-in will be even more precise thanks to live lane guidance. Live lane guidance will understand what lane you’re in and advise you in real time as you change lanes or exit. This will be done entirely in the car, with road analysis through your car’s front-facing camera.

Feature rollout timeline

Google notes that these features will be rolling out to Android Auto and cars with Google built-in throughout the year. Historically, these features have taken many weeks and months to roll out, so don’t hold your breath. We’re still glad to see these new features in the pipeline, as they definitely uplift the in-car experience.