Google is pulling the plug on Android Auto updates for some older telephones

If in case you have an older Android phone, there’s an opportunity it won’t assist the newest variations of Android Auto for much longer. In July 2024, Google introduced that to run the most recent variations of Android Auto, your telephone would must be operating Android 9.0 or greater. Nevertheless, it by no means really made the change, and its newest updates continued to assist Android 8.0 and above. Quick-forward greater than a 12 months later, and that’s lastly about to alter.

Based on Auto Evolution, with the newest Android Auto replace, model 15.5, Google has modified the system necessities for Android Auto to now require a tool operating Android 9.0 or greater. This implies if in case you have a tool operating Android 8, you’ll now not obtain the newest Android Auto updates, and the final supported replace you possibly can obtain is Android Auto 15.4.

Presently, while you go to the Google Play Retailer, Android Auto signifies it nonetheless helps Android 8.0 or greater, however this can change when Android Auto 15.5 launches, which might be throughout the subsequent month or so, as it’s presently in its testing part earlier than a broader rollout.

Android 8 is not extinct but

It is attainable Android Auto might cease working completely on Android 8 in some unspecified time in the future

Though Android 8 was launched again in 2017, some individuals nonetheless use it. Based on the newest Android distribution figures, about 4 % of customers are nonetheless on Android 8, with one % utilizing Android 8.0 and three % on Android 8.1. So, whereas it’s not a big share, it nonetheless has an affect. The final time Google up to date the Android Auto system necessities was in 2022, when it set Android 8 because the minimal requirement for the newest updates and discontinued assist for Android 7.

Android Auto model 15.5 is not a significant replace and primarily consists of bug fixes. If in case you have a telephone operating Android 8, you will not be lacking out on a lot simply but. Nevertheless, this might change quickly, particularly as Google prepares to introduce Gemini to Android Auto.

It is value noting that whereas Android Auto will proceed to work on gadgets operating Android 8, there’s a probability that Google might finally discontinue assist completely. This implies not solely will Android 8 gadgets now not obtain Android Auto updates, but it surely may also cease functioning correctly, as has occurred previously with gadgets operating Android 7 and older.

Should you’re nonetheless operating Android 8 and do not wish to miss out on the newest Android Auto updates, your principal choices are to replace to Android 9 in case your gadget helps it or to improve to a more moderen gadget operating a extra present model of Android, resembling Android 15 or Android 16.

For these new to Android Auto, it is an app that shows a few of your telephone’s options in your automobile’s infotainment display. This permits safer use of sure apps whereas driving, together with navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps, in addition to music streaming providers resembling Spotify and YouTube Music. It’s much like Apple CarPlay, which gives a comparable expertise for iPhones.