Google has confirmed five Android Auto media playback changes: more phone audio apps can show controls and album art, the player layout puts common controls up front, drivers can swipe between active media sessions, autoplay behavior is changing, and a redesigned seekbar shows track progress. Google says most of the features are available in Android Auto 17.3 or later, though rollout can vary.
What changed in the Android Auto media player?
Mishaal Rahman, who identifies himself as doing community engagement for Android at Google, described the changes as improvements shaped by user feedback. They affect media playback in five distinct ways.
1. Controls and album art for more phone audio apps
Previously, some apps without a dedicated Android Auto app could play audio through the car but show neither playback controls nor album art on the car display. The update can surface both, including for background audio from YouTube Premium, browser streams, and niche media apps. Google’s announcement describes the expanded support.
2. A revised player layout
Frequently used controls move from the three-dot overflow menu to the main player screen, and album art is sized to fit the vehicle display better. Google says the updated player is available for Spotify, YouTube Music, and other media apps. The presentation may vary because apps can customize their in-car player design.
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3. Swipe between active media sessions
When more than one media session is active, swipe left or right on the player to switch between them instead of reopening the launcher. This is useful when, for example, audio is available from more than one app and you want to move between those sessions.
4. Changes to Android Auto autoplay
Here, autoplay means Android Auto starting media when the phone connects to the car; it is separate from autoplay settings inside an app such as Spotify. Google describes three changes:
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- Compatible with wired-only Android Auto systems
- Requires Android 11+
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- Plug & play setup, no tech skills needed
- Apps you have not used recently—or have never used—will no longer be selected for Android Auto autoplay.
- If you prefer to start playback manually and often pause autoplay, Android Auto may show a one-tap notification to turn the feature off.
- Google is rolling out a fix for unsolicited play commands sent when the infotainment system starts, even though Android Auto autoplay is off.
5. A redesigned seekbar
The player’s new, squiggly progress bar is intended to make a track’s position easier to see at a glance. Google says it is paying attention to feedback about the design; it has not published a measured usability result for the change.
How to switch between media apps in Android Auto
- Start media in more than one app so there are multiple active media sessions.
- On the Android Auto player screen, swipe left or right to move between the sessions.
You do not need to return to the launcher to switch sessions. The swipe works between active media sessions, rather than serving as a general way to browse every installed audio app.
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Why does Android Auto autoplay a different app?
Android Auto’s updated selection behavior is intended to stop choosing apps that you have not used recently or at all. If playback still starts unexpectedly, distinguish Android Auto’s connection-triggered autoplay from an app’s own autoplay setting. Google also says its fix for unsolicited startup play commands when Android Auto autoplay is disabled is still rolling out, so the fix may not yet be present for every driver.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which Android Auto version has the new media player?
Google’s version guidance lists Android 9 (Pie) or later as the Android requirement. It says most new media features are broadly available starting with Android Auto 17.3 or later. Certain autoplay fixes date to versions 16.7 and 16.8; Google does not say that every feature or fix reaches every driver at once. Availability can vary as rollout continues. See Google’s announcement for the feature and version notes.
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To check the installed Android Auto version, open Settings > Apps > Android Auto on your phone, or open Android Auto Settings and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Should you join the Android Auto beta?
Joining the beta is optional. Google’s Android Auto beta support page says testers can get early access and try features with their particular phone, vehicle, and region. Beta builds may be less stable, and some features may not work properly.
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These five changes concern Android Auto media playback. They are separate from Google’s broader May 12, 2026 announcement about a next-generation in-car experience and from the separate announcement that the Android Auto and cars with Google built-in games category graduated from beta to general availability.
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