Android Auto has new requirements: what you need to know

Google has quietly announced that Android Auto now has higher requirements for phones. Your phone must now be running at least on Android 8.0 Oreo or a later version if you want to use Android Auto.

Android Auto Requirements

Those who still use a phone with Android 7.0 Nougat now have a very good reason to buy a new one. Android Auto now only works with Android smartphones that run on version 8.0 or more recent software. Google mentions this on a support page of Android Auto.

Google doesn’t provide any additional explanation about increasing system requirements, but it seems like a logical decision. Previously, a phone had to work with at least Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Android distribution figures show that there are still active phones that work with Android 6.0, although it is a minority: about 6 percent of used devices.

In addition, a phone with Android 11 or a later version is still required to use Android Auto wirelessly with supported car models. Furthermore, Google still mentions on its Android Auto website that phones with Android 6.0 Marshmallow are supported.

New Android Auto Interface

In the coming weeks, we expect major improvements for Android auto, as this summer Google is expected to roll out its brand new interface. It is specially optimized for infotainment systems with a large screen, and for this Android Auto uses a split-screen display. The intention is that there is always a window free for media control and for notifications that you receive while driving. Google did not share when we can actually expect the interface.

What do you think of the new Android Auto interface, and are you still using an older Android phone? Let us know in the comments. Also read everything about how long a phone lasts in this article.

The most popular articles about Android Auto

Want to stay up to date with the latest Android Auto news? Then download our Android app and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTubeTelegram and Twitter.