Android Auto 16.5 has been released, and it’s largely a bug-fixing update that squashes a few of those pesky gremlins that may be affecting your driving experience.
As such, Android Auto 16.5 isn’t a particularly exciting release, with no major changes or additions. However, it hints that some huge tweaks and new features are coming down the line, as it’s become clear from the code that Google is adding some very long-awaited quality of life improvements.
No more leaving Android Auto to change AC or the radio
Android Auto is easily one of the best car infotainment systems available, but there are still some areas that have long been issues for experienced users. The need to change from the Android Auto app to change the radio station you’re listening to, for instance. If your radio station of choice doesn’t have an Android Auto app, then you can use your regular radio — but you’ll have to swap away from Android Auto to do it.
The same is true of air conditioning controls. If your AC is controlled only through your touchscreen, with no hardware dials, then you’ll need to swap away from Android Auto to make even the most minor of changes. Minor annoyances most of the time, but drastically larger if you’re in the middle of a tricky piece of driving and want to make small alterations to your AC temperature.
Well, things are hopefully going to change soon, as it’s becoming clear that Google wants to integrate these controls into Android Auto.
Code within the last few Android Auto updates has included hints that deeper car integration is on the way, and when completed, it will give users a control panel within Android Auto that can be used to control the radio and air conditioning systems.
Work on this feature has been a long time coming though, with reports saying work on it began last year, and may have been more work than Google anticipated. However, the continued references to it within Android Auto beta code shows that Google hasn’t given up hope, and the recent feature-dry updates may also indicate that a larger upgrade is on the way.
This isn’t the only addition coming to Android Auto, too. The same report claims that widgets are on the way to Android Auto, mirroring a similar rollout from Apple CarPlay. This update would allow widgets to appear alongside your usual display, likely as an extra bubble within the multi-app Coolwalk display.
Android Auto hasn’t had a great time of it lately, due to some Samsung Galaxy S26 owners having a tough time getting it to work. But if Google can roll these upgrades out soon, then we’re sure all will be forgiven.
