Android Auto major update adds YouTube viewing functionality.

The Android Auto app for cars has received a major update, featuring a complete redesign and the addition of a function to watch videos on the navigation system.

Drivers can look forward to a rich new experience, premium entertainment and a more capable Gemini.
https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/platforms/android/android-in-cars-updates/

◆ Compatible with Material 3 Expressive
The ' Material 3 Expressive ' UX design, which was first introduced in Android 16, will also be implemented in Android Auto. Google stated that it 'provides expressive fonts, smooth animations, and wallpapers.'

????➡???? Android Auto is getting a full refresh that brings the Material 3 Expressive design from your phone to your car.

Expect expressive fonts, smooth animations, and wallpapers that make your dash feel personal!

Plus, this new experience adapts seamlessly to any car screen. pic.twitter.com/PCT8nMOMHZ

— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) May 12, 2026

◆Widget installation
It will be possible to place widgets on the screen that allow you to quickly check information from apps. This will allow you to open and close your garage door with a single tap, or quickly access things like weather forecasts and contacts.

The new experience also adds:

- ↪️ Widgets: Add them to your dash to quickly view important info at a glance, even while actively navigating. Add a shortcut to your favorite contacts, a one-tap garage door opener, a weather overview, and more. pic.twitter.com/j88RaYOJet

— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) May 12, 2026

◆Google Maps now features 3D view
Google Maps will be adding a feature that displays surrounding buildings, elevated structures, and terrain in 3D. This feature was introduced in March 2026 under the name 'Immersive Navigation.'

- ???? Immersive Navigation: Our biggest Google Maps update in over a decade. Maps now has a vivid 3D view reflecting surrounding buildings, overpasses, and terrain. It also highlights key details like specific lanes, traffic lights, and stop signs to help with tricky turns or… pic.twitter.com/BWHbrKiw83

— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) May 12, 2026

◆Support for video apps
For the first time, Android Auto will allow users to watch videos from apps like YouTube. For safety reasons, the system will switch to audio only when shifting from Park to Drive. It is expected to be available in 60fps Full HD video on compatible vehicles in the second half of 2026, and will be offered by BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Skoda, Tata, and Volvo.

???? Beyond design, we're also upgrading the media experience:

- You'll be able to watch videos on apps like YouTube in supported cars later this year
- Videos will safely and seamlessly transition to audio-only when you shift out of park pic.twitter.com/ggdAMDTh6u

— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) May 12, 2026

◆Using Gemini Intelligence
If your smartphone has Gemini Intelligence installed, you can use it via Android Auto. This allows you to use features such as analyzing your emails and calendar to find the answer when you receive a text message from a friend asking for your address, and then suggesting a reply with the appropriate information to send with a single tap.

✨ And if your phone has Gemini Intelligence, you'll be able to access it in Android Auto later this year, unlocking:

- Magic Cue, which gives you a 1-tap button to reply to texts with relevant info pulled from your texts/calendar/email, all without taking your eyes off the… pic.twitter.com/eLlLOhZnXL

— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) May 12, 2026

◆ Upgrades for vehicles equipped with Google built-in
The AI 'Deep Gemini' has been integrated, allowing you to ask vehicle-specific questions (such as the meaning of warning lights on the dashboard).

???? We're also upgrading cars with Google built-in with:

- Deep Gemini integration, so you can ask questions specific to your vehicle (like what a dashboard warning light means)
- Live guidance, to make Immersive Navigation even more precise in select cars pic.twitter.com/y8ZDdoiZja

— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) May 12, 2026

Google stated, 'There are now more than 250 million Android Auto-enabled cars on the road, and we continue to bring the best smartphone experience to every drive. The next generation of Android Auto will bring a stunningly new experience, premium entertainment, and an even more convenient Gemini.'