Android Auto is not just any application. This platform allows you to access apps like Google Maps, Spotify, WhatsApp, and calls from your car’s screen, all without causing distractions while driving.
This app on your Android phone is designed to project its interface onto your car’s display. These apps are constantly updated to prevent errors while driving. Google has now launched Android Auto 12.5.
There are two ways to connect this platform to your vehicle’s screen: via a USB cable or wirelessly. The first method is the most common. The wireless connection must be made through Bluetooth and is usually a bit more complex.
Which Mobile Phones Will Lose Access to Android Auto
Google has released this information. The operating system required on your mobile to use this app was 8.0 or higher. The company now demands 9.0 or higher to connect via USB. If you wish to connect wirelessly, you must have 11.0 or higher. If you have a Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, or Note 8 with Android 9.0, you will also be able to use this last connection method. This change will limit access to the application.
This increase in requirements for using Android Auto indicates Google’s ongoing goal of improving user experience and ensuring driver safety.
How to Know Your Mobile’s Operating System
If you are unsure of your phone’s operating system, follow these brief instructions to check:
- Open your Android settings.
- Find the phone information section.
- Tap on the Android version section.
- Look at the number displayed.
If this number is less than 9.0 or 11.0, you will not be able to connect to Android Auto in any way. If you are allowed to update this operating system, you should do so.
How to Install the New Android Auto Update
To install this new 12.5 update of Android Auto, follow these steps:
- Open Google Play.
- Search for the Android Auto app.
- Tap the update option.
Another way to get this version is by downloading the update manually. For this, you have to download its APK (Android Application Package) from APKMirror. You must select the latest version available for your mobile’s architecture: ARM64. Once downloaded, install the APK file.
Discover what your Android mobile’s operating system is and if it is compatible with the latest Android Auto 12.5 update. Additionally, you can download or update this version on your phone if you have not done so yet.
