GoKawiilSanuj Bhatia / Android Authority
TL;DR Google is working on new colors for Google Maps in Android Auto.
The map surface and turn indicators in Google Maps could get darker even in light mode.
In dark mode, the turn indicator will no longer be teal.
Google has been working on several new features and improvements for Android Auto. While we wait for the big Android Auto redesign announced at I/O 2026, the company is working on other, more subtle changes throughout the experience, including a new icon. However, Google is working on a lot more.
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The latest beta update for the Android Auto app (v17.6.663424) includes several new features. We’ve already reported on the new weather animation and support for Quick Settings tiles. However, we also managed to enable a new UI for Google Maps in Android Auto.
Currently, the Google Maps surface has a light background, and the direction and turn indicator in the top right has a teal background. That’s normally okay, but it can be quite distracting on large, bright infotainment screens. Google is now testing a darker background for the map surface and a dark-gray color for the turn indicator in the top right.
Current Maps UI in Android Auto Upcoming Maps UI in Android Auto
The changes could also show up when using the map in dark mode. Google seems to be testing a much darker map surface in dark mode and is also working on making the turn indicator dark gray.
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