Android automotive OS latest developments
1 ) Industry Adoption and Market Overview
In 2024, most car manufacturers are transitioning to Android Automotive OS (AAOS), with few exceptions such as Tesla (using Linux) and Mercedes (Linux platform with Android apps).
Some Chinese brands use standard Android but not specifically AAOS.
The majority of OEMs either have or plan to have AAOS based infotainment systems.
2 ) Google Automotive Services (GAS) vs Non GAS Options
GAS includes Google Maps, Google Play Store, and Google Assistant, requiring commercial agreements and adherence to Google's technical and testing requirements.
Brands currently using GAS include Volvo, Polestar, Renault, Ford (Lincoln), GM, Nissan, Honda, and Porsche (future plans).
GAS advantages: access to popular navigation, apps, and voice services. Disadvantages: higher cost, dependency on Google, regulatory scrutiny (antitrust investigations in Germany), and limited customization.
Non GAS carmakers use third party navigation (Mapbox, TomTom, HERE), voice assistants (Alexa), and app stores (Faurecia Aptoide), offering greater flexibility and market adaptability. Brands using non GAS include Stellantis, BMW, MINI, Dacia, Lucid, Rivian, Lotus, and Lynk & Co.
Google still imposes some requirements even on non GAS systems (e.g., mandatory notification center).
3 ) Android 14 and Multi Screen Support
Android 14 AAOS introduces multi screen support, enabling seamless shared and individual entertainment experiences across multiple vehicle displays.
This feature allows front passengers to control rear screens and contributes to a more integrated infotainment experience.
Adoption may lag behind Android releases due to carmakers often using older versions.
4 ) Expanding App Ecosystem and Developer Opportunities
Over 50 vehicle models now support Android Automotive OS with Google built in and have nearly 300 apps available on the Play Store optimized for safe driving and parked entertainment.
Android Auto compatibility has expanded to nearly all new vehicles, with about 250 million compatible cars worldwide.
Google encourages developers through quality tiers (Car ready, Car optimized, Car differentiated) that enable apps to run in parked mode or while driving, with richer experiences using different vehicle screens.
5 ) Introduction of Gemini AI for Cars
Google is introducing Gemini, an advanced AI system, to cars.
Gemini empowers natural voice conversations and multitasking, enhancing driver safety and convenience by allowing drivers to interact using natural language—for example, navigating to locations mentioned in emails or reporting traffic incidents by voice.
Navigation apps can integrate with Gemini through specific intent formats for navigation, search results, and custom actions.
Gemini is set to roll out in the coming months, opening new frontiers for AI driven in car experiences.
6 ) Developer Tools and Resources
Google has released new tools such as the Car App Templates Design Kit and Car App Library improvements to facilitate app development for cars.
The Weather app category has graduated from beta, allowing developers to publish production ready weather apps for cars.
The Car Ready Mobile Apps program helps bring mobile apps to cars with minimal effort, supporting apps that engage users safely while driving or parked.
Summary:
The Android Automotive OS ecosystem in 2024–2025 is rapidly evolving with wide OEM adoption, a split between Google Automotive Services and independent approaches, enhanced multi screen capabilities in Android 14, growing app availability, and the anticipated introduction of Google's Gemini AI for safer, smarter voice interactions. Google continues to invest in developer tools and programs to accelerate innovation in automotive digital experiences.
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