TL;DR Android Auto is adopting Material 3 Expressive, featuring smoother animations and better adaptability for all screen sizes.
Users can finally add home screen widgets for weather, smart home controls, and favorite contacts.
YouTube video support (FHD) is arriving for stationary use, with a seamless transition to audio-only when driving.
At the Android Show: I/O Edition 2026, Google has a ton of surprises, ranging from Gemini Intelligence to Googlebooks. There are new features for cars too, including the long-awaited upgrade that brings widget functionality to your car’s infotainment screen.
New features coming to Android Auto
Material 3 Expressive
Google says that Android Auto is getting Material 3 Expressive design, with expressive fonts, smooth animations, and wallpapers, making the transition from your phone to your car. This new UX also lends better adaptability to Android Auto, as the platform can now better adapt to car screens of any size or shape.
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Home screen widgets
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