Google's Android Auto is getting a major 2026 refresh centered around Gemini AI integration. The update brings vehicle-specific controls that let drivers adjust car settings through voice commands. In a Volvo EX60 demo, Gemini darkened the sunroof and identified landmarks like the Transamerica Pyramid using the car's cameras.

The platform adopts Material 3 Expressive design across both Android Auto and Google built-in vehicles, though automaker styling varies slightly between implementations. Immersive Navigation debuts with 3D building renderings and prominent road element displays, making stop signs and traffic lights more visible during route guidance.

Android-inspired widgets arrive as a small but useful addition, putting weather and other quick-access information within easy reach. Third-party apps like Spotify also receive mobile-like redesigns that mirror their smartphone counterparts. These changes aim to reduce driver distraction while improving the overall in-car experience.

The shift represents Google's push to make Android Auto more conversational and contextually aware, moving beyond simple screen mirroring toward genuine vehicle integration.