Statistics show that Android Auto's market penetration is declining, whereas Apple's CarPlay keeps growing despite the lack of major updates

Users report on Google’s forums that, as far back as November of last year, SiriusXM on Android Auto was broken in the sense that menus in the app weren’t functional. In turn, the app was only usable through voice commands, as the touch controls were effectively broken.

Google is launching its car ready mobile apps program next month. This program, announced at I/O 2024 last year, takes existing mobile apps that are large screen compatible and makes them available to cars running Android Automotive. We don’t know which apps have been selected for the program, though.

The search giant will kick off the "Car ready mobile apps" program next month; the effort was announced last year at Google's developer event

The Polestar 2’s newest software update, P3.3.16, packs a few nifty upgrades like HD radio and smoother low-speed driving. The highlight, of course, is that wired Android Auto is now in the mix, giving drivers the option to blend their favorite smartphone features with the car’s Android Automotive operating system.

Android Auto will be getting new car-ready apps in February, including video streaming, web browsers, and mobile gaming apps. Only cars certified with Google built-in will support these new apps, ensuring they meet program requirements.