Google Quietly Released A New Android Auto Update – Here’s What Changed

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Google’s Android Auto 15.4 update is now rolling out widely to Pixel and other Android devices throughout November. While the company has remained quiet about the release, autoevolution first spotted that this version spent an unusually long time — over a week — in beta testing before reaching the public. Although Google hasn’t provided an explanation, users can now either wait for the phased rollout or manually sideload the update via APKMirror.

Major Fixes and Gemini Integration

The highlight of Android Auto 15.4 is a series of crucial bug fixes, particularly for Pixel 10 owners who previously struggled to connect their devices properly. This update restores compatibility and stability, making it essential for anyone affected by connection issues.

Beyond fixes, 15.4 is paving the way for bigger changes across Android Auto. Chief among them is a gradual shift from Google Assistant to Gemini, the company’s new AI assistant designed to power smarter in-car interactions. Internal builds and tests suggest Gemini integration will soon become a defining feature of Android Auto, further reinforcing Google’s push toward AI-driven functionality across its ecosystem.

The update also includes new customization options drawn from Android’s Material You design. Users can now import accent colors directly from their phone’s wallpaper, adding a personalized look to their infotainment system.

Hidden Additions and What’s Next

Although Google no longer issues detailed changelogs for Android Auto, early testing hints at additional features under active development. These include an upgraded call screen, support for call notes, and deeper Maps integration powered by Gemini’s contextual AI abilities. Meanwhile, users with smaller infotainment displays are gaining the ability to report traffic incidents — such as speed traps, construction, and accidents — just like those with larger screens or users of Waze.

Notably, some of these improvements precede Google’s upcoming changes that will limit Android Auto updates for certain older Android phone models. That gives 15.4 added significance for users hoping to keep their in-car experience current before those restrictions go into effect.

Still Missing: The Widgets Feature

One anticipated feature still MIA is the new Android Auto Widgets system. Borrowing inspiration from Apple’s CarPlay, this feature will eventually let drivers pin live widgets from supported apps directly to the infotainment interface. Despite recent leaks, it’s not included in version 15.4 — but its absence likely means Google is holding it for a future release as part of a broader visual refresh.

How to Get Android Auto 15.4

Android Auto 15.4 began appearing via Google’s beta channel in October and is now gradually rolling out to the general public. The rollout is staggered, but power users can install the update manually:

  • Download the 15.4 APK from APKMirror.
  • Open it on your Android device.
  • Approve installation permissions when prompted.

For everyone else, the update should arrive automatically by the end of November.

While Android Auto 15.4 might not revolutionize the platform outright, it sets the stage for a deeper AI integration and a more polished, personalized driving experience — especially for Pixel 10 users finally free from connection bugs.

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