What you need to know
- The Android Show 2026 is going on, and Google revealed major updates for Android Auto and Gemini's involvement.
- Users can an edge-to-edge experience for Google Maps, as well as its Immersive Navigation update, bringing a robust 3D view.
- Video-to-audio transitions are headed to cars, then there's Gemini Intelligence "later this year."
The Android Show welcomes users into what's coming up next from Google with its Android Auto experience in 2026.
Becoming a system that's "uniquely yours" is the name of the game for Android Auto in 2026. During the Show, Google revealed that it's preparing to deliver an overhauled Material 3 Expressive redesign for the OS for vehicles. Google Maps has been reworked with an edge-to-edge design to help fit the many different types of car screens. This is joined by the app's "Immersive Navigation" update.
The app's 3D view now includes 3D buildings that spring to life, while you're little car model trucks along the roads. Overpasses, terrain, as well as "critical details," such as lanes and traffic lights are included. Outside of this, Google states you can add shortcuts for your favorite contacts on Android Auto's homepage, you can add a one-tap garage door opener button, and more.
Smoother animations, more wallpapers, and expressive fonts are on the way to Android Auto with its Material 3 Expressive update, mirroring the experience you have on your phone.
If you've never seen your car as the perfect place to watch a video or a movie, Google wants to change that this year.
Android Auto's next update involves full support for 60fps Full HD videos this year. If you're parked or charging, Google envisions users kicking back and relaxing with YouTube in BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo cars. However, for road safety, any video playing will pause when you start moving, shifting into an "audio-only" mode.
Cars have some pretty decent speakers now, and Google wants to take advantage of that, too, with Dolby Atmos in "supported apps and cars." Regarding the latter, Google will bring this premium audio quality support to BMW, Genesis, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo first. It teases that YouTube Music and Spotify will get a visual refresh in Android Auto, as well, similar to what was stated for Google Maps.
Gemini wants a ride, too
If you thought Google's Gemini was skipping out on Android Auto, this next part is on the contrary. To start, Gemini is now "more widely available" in vehicles with the software. What's more, Gemini Intelligence is headed to drivers "later this year." The company states that this will bring useful aid for texts, as Magic Cue will swipe those important pieces of context, like their question about an address, and send a reply for you with those details.
Google also highlights its upcoming support for DoorDash with Gemini Intelligence. While driving, users can tell Gemini to order their usual meal and make sure it's for pickup. You could also tell Gemini to "double it," meaning to double the amount of food you'd usually get. Drivers need only tap to confirm the order's contents.
Cars with Google built-in aren't getting left out, either. Google says those users can expect the same video-to-audio transition updates and the Immersive Navigation patch for Maps. Gemini is already rolling out to vehicles with Google built in.
Android Central's Take
On the surface, these updates seem quite nice. They don't seem too overbearing. Personally, I think the Gemini updates will really shine. We already have little stands for our phones while we're driving. They help with Maps navigation or for taking a quick call. To have Gemini ready to take your request in more helpful ways just makes driving feel easy. We have enough to worry about being on the road anyway, don't we?
