Android Automotive OS
A complete in-vehicle operating system that Google provides to automotive original equipment manufacturers. It runs directly on vehicle hardware and includes built-in Google services and an application framework, distinguishing it from the phone screen-mirroring solution Android Auto.
Timeline (last 90 days)
Google built-in models cover 16 brands and more than 100 models.
CAL 1.9 enters Beta, bringing brand customization via App Expression (adjusting color and shape tokens while maintaining safety rules), new UI components such as a spotlight section, compact list items, scrollable chips and an always-present mini player, while also fully extending media template support to Android Automotive OS.
As of a few weeks ago, game publishing on Android Auto and Android Automotive OS has been opened to all developers.
If an app attempts to display an Activity not marked as distraction-optimized while driving, Android Automotive OS will actively block it and display a system occlusion layer; this is a platform-enforced safety fallback, not an option.
The native app directly uses the car's SoC, memory and network modules, can stay resident in the background, start with the vehicle, and access vehicle CAN bus data (such as speed, steering angle and driving mode).
Spotify released a next-generation fully native in-car app built directly on Google's Android Automotive operating system.
The app runs directly on the vehicle's infotainment hardware, with no phone pairing, Bluetooth connection or aux cable required.
Android Automotive OS has already attracted adoption by several automakers including Volvo, Polestar and GM.
As of 2024, Android Automotive OS has reached mass production in some models from brands including Volvo, Polestar, GM, Renault, Nissan and Honda, but cumulative global installations are still counted in the millions, far below the hundreds of millions of users covered by CarPlay and Android Auto.
Spotify's native strategy is unlikely to fully replace screen-projection solutions in the short term and is more likely to proceed on two tracks: offering a native experience on models that support Android Automotive while retaining CarPlay/Android Auto projection support.
5 more timeline events
All Facts (14)
Google built-in models cover 16 brands and more than 100 models.
50%UnverifiedIf an app attempts to display an Activity not marked as distraction-optimized while driving, Android Automotive OS will actively block it and display a system occlusion layer; this is a platform-enforced safety fallback, not an option.
50%UnverifiedThe app runs directly on the vehicle's infotainment hardware, with no phone pairing, Bluetooth connection or aux cable required.
50%UnverifiedAs of 2024, Android Automotive OS has reached mass production in some models from brands including Volvo, Polestar, GM, Renault, Nissan and Honda, but cumulative global installations are still counted in the millions, far below the hundreds of millions of users covered by CarPlay and Android Auto.
50%UnverifiedThe native app directly uses the car's SoC, memory and network modules, can stay resident in the background, start with the vehicle, and access vehicle CAN bus data (such as speed, steering angle and driving mode).
50%UnverifiedAndroid Automotive OS has already attracted adoption by several automakers including Volvo, Polestar and GM.
50%UnverifiedEach automaker customizes the interface and features on top of Android Automotive OS, so the revamp of the app store must balance a unified user experience with the differentiated needs of each manufacturer.
50%UnverifiedThe Play Store automotive version distributes apps via the Android Automotive OS platform.
50%UnverifiedVolvo is one of the earliest automakers to fully adopt Android Automotive OS, with its in-vehicle system running on the Google platform at the underlying level.
50%UnverifiedVolvo's in-car system has long been deeply integrated with Android Automotive OS, making it one of the first automakers to fully adopt the system.
50%UnverifiedAs of a few weeks ago, game publishing on Android Auto and Android Automotive OS has been opened to all developers.
50%UnverifiedCAL 1.9 enters Beta, bringing brand customization via App Expression (adjusting color and shape tokens while maintaining safety rules), new UI components such as a spotlight section, compact list items, scrollable chips and an always-present mini player, while also fully extending media template support to Android Automotive OS.
50%UnverifiedSpotify's native strategy is unlikely to fully replace screen-projection solutions in the short term and is more likely to proceed on two tracks: offering a native experience on models that support Android Automotive while retaining CarPlay/Android Auto projection support.
50%UnverifiedSpotify released a next-generation fully native in-car app built directly on Google's Android Automotive operating system.
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