Google has already started rolling out the new Android Auto update to production devices, just a few days after the beta version arrived. The Android Auto 12.6 beta arrived earlier this week. However, beta testers didn’t seem to find any major issues. So the new version of Android Auto is now available on the Google Play Store. However, this is all happening in stages!
The new version of Android Auto is now available on the Play Store!
The first thing you should know is that even though it’s hitting the Play Store, not all Android devices will receive the new update at once. So, if you’re not included in the first wave, the only way to update to version 12.6 today is to sideload it. Compile APK on your device.
So you can Download APK Installer For Android Auto 12.6, go to your location and tap on the file to start the update.
In keeping with its typical approach, Google hasn’t shared a changelog for the new update. However, the release notes posted on the Play Store do mention the general “bug fixes and other improvements” mentioned in each new release.
Google has been tight-lipped about its long-term strategy for Android Auto, but the company has been seen working on a number of big changes recently, including the integration of radio stations. The company wants to avoid forcing users to leave the Android Auto interface to listen to a radio station, so Google wants to bundle the full experience with the app.
Meanwhile, Google is also working to improve the Android Auto experience on other fronts.
The company recently rolled out support for reporting incidents in Google Maps on Android Auto. This is after it did the same thing in CarPlay.
Android Auto 12.6 may also fix some recently reported bugs. One of the most common issues concerns the ability to make phone calls, with users complaining that using voice commands to make a call doesn’t work as expected.