Android Auto for smartphones stops with Android 12, alternative on the way

Google is going to stop using the version of Android Auto you use on your phone’s screen. In Android 12, the app is exchanged for the new Driving Mode of the Google Assistant. Users will now be notified that Android Auto will be discontinued for smartphones.

Android Auto for smartphones

Android Auto has been around for years as a version for infotainment systems in cars on the one hand, or for smartphone screens on the other. Google now wants to end the latter abruptly, and that is happening with Android 12.

According to XDA Developers, some users of the Android 12 beta will now see a notification announcing the end: “Android Auto is now available for in-car displays. Try Google Assistant’s Driving Mode on phones.” Google Assistant will therefore serve as an alternative with its adapted interface for the car. The function was rolled out in more countries this year and Google was already testing it in the Netherlands. In Google Maps, users suddenly received a notification with the request to test the function.

It has been written in the stars for a long time that Android Auto for smartphones is coming to an end. Google already announced it in 2019, only since then it took much longer than expected before Google Assistant was assigned its new task.

Older Android versions

Google has also responded, confirming that the old Android Auto app will still work for users running Android 11 or an older version of the operating system. We do not see the notification on our Pixel devices running on the beta. The Play Store does indicate that the app is incompatible with devices with Android 12. Are you curious about the Driving Mode or have you already tested the function? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of this article.

Want to stay up to date with the latest Android Auto news? Then download our Android app and follow us on Telegram and Twitter. Also check out our new AW Community for an overview of the most popular AW members.