Google is finally pushing out the Android Auto media player redesign it first teased nearly a year ago at I/O 2025. The update is rolling out now with version 16.0.660224, arriving on the stable channel after a brief run in beta.
The most obvious change is the repositioned play/pause button, which now sits in the bottom left corner instead of center stage. Track controls follow to the right, with additional playback options further along the row. It’s a notable departure from the old layout, one that will likely frustrate drivers who’ve built up muscle memory over years of use.
That said, the new design does look sharper. Playback controls are easier to reach without stretching across the screen, and apps like Spotify now pull in updated Material You theming that adapts to album artwork. Pocket Casts and other supported apps are showing the same treatment.
The redesign also appears in the condensed dashboard view, meaning the change is consistent whether you’re using the full media interface or glancing at it while navigating.
Beyond the visual refresh, this update doesn’t bring much else. No major feature additions, no hidden functionality uncovered in teardowns. It’s a focused update built around one clear goal: modernizing the media experience.
If you’re running Android Auto 16.0 and haven’t seen the update yet, it should arrive soon. Google typically staggers these rollouts over a few days or weeks depending on region and device.
Source – 9to5Google
