Say goodbye to Android Auto: These phones won’t have access to Google’s app.

Starting in July 2024, Google has once again updated the minimum requirements needed to use Android Auto, increasing the minimum operating system version required for it to work.

Users must now have a smartphone running Android 9.0 Pie or higher. The change, which will restrict access to the app, due to the requirements that the platform places on its proper functioning and security.

• An Android phone running Android 9.0 Pie or later and an active data plan.
• Compatible vehicle.
• High quality USB cable.

Since its launch, Android Auto hasn’t had particularly high requirements to work. Generally, all you need is a suitable car, a USB cable, and a relatively modern phone. Until two years ago, Google supported all smartphones running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or higher. However,In July 2022, the requirement was raised to Android 8.0 Oreo. Now, with this latest update, the minimum version has been raised again to Android 9.0 Pie.

If you’re still using a device running Android 8.0 Oreo to connect to your car with Android Auto, it’s time to consider upgrading. This increased requirement means you’ll stop getting updates over time, and at some point, the system will simply stop working on your device.

This change should not have a significant impact on most users. According to the release schedule, Android 8.0 is currently used by just over 6% of active devices. In 2023, this figure was approximately 8%. So, most users are already using new versions of Android, and this will only affect a few.

This increase in requirements highlights Google’s ongoing focus on improving the user experience and maintaining the security and functionality of the system as technology evolves.

It is important to note that these are the minimum requirements for using Android Auto with a wired connection. If you want to use the platform wirelessly, Google requires Android 11.0 or later, or Android 10.0 for some Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices.

This increase in requirements also reflects a trend toward increased functionality and improved user experience when using Android Auto over the air.which is becoming increasingly popular among users as it provides greater driving comfort.

To install the new Android Auto update, For those users who prefer to manage updates manually, the process is simple; it is step by step.

• In Google Play, you need to select the option “Manage apps and devices”.
• Select the Update All option.

This method ensures that all adjustments and improvements are implemented correctly and that you receive the latest fixes and optimizations.

What’s new in the latest Android Auto update is that it fixes several issues, including sudden disconnections and difficulty pairing devices. inconveniences that caused significant inconvenience to drivers.

Unexpected outages can disrupt key features such as navigation and hands-free calling, affecting your overall driving experience.

However, this update does not introduce any major aesthetic changes. The app launcher and other visual components, such as Google Maps and mobile settings, remain unchanged.

This decision has already been seen in Android to prioritize internal improvements and performance optimizations over visual changes. in order to maintain a consistent and functional user experience.