Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
Google has just started the rollout of another Android Auto build. This time, the new release is specifically aimed at users enrolled in the beta program, giving them the chance to take the update for a spin before it lands in the production channel.
Android Auto 18.1 beta lands without a changelog, so users who download the build will have to look for changes on their own.
At first glance, there are no front-facing changes in this update, at least compared to the previous update (18.0 stable), so if you’re specifically interested in this part of the release, you won’t be getting any surprises. On the other hand, there’s a chance that the focus has been on what happens under the hood, and we all know that big things are taking place in this department.
How to download Android Auto 18.1 beta
Our first stop is the download method. Because this new build is part of the beta program, you won’t see the download appearing as an automatic update in the Google Play Store unless you are enrolled in the program.
If you’re not, the only option is the manual download and installation.
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
The process is not as complicated as it sounds, and it involves downloading the APK installer that you can use to update to Android Auto 18.1. This is a file that you just need to download on your device from this page. When the download is complete, tap the file and follow the on-screen wizard to finalize the update.
There are no complicated steps, and the only big requirement is enabling the installation of non-Google Play Store applications. This means you must configure your device to allow apps that aren’t published on the Play Store.
Big features planned for Android Auto
While Android Auto 18.1 beta doesn’t bring any significant changes at first glance, we already know that many big things are on the radar for Google’s app.
This is why you can’t blame users when a new update comes out, though I’d say that some of these users aren’t necessarily excited about the new features but also about the chances of getting an update that finally fixes their issues with Android Auto.
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
For example, Gemini has misbehaved in the most ridiculous ways since it landed on Android Auto in late 2025. Once the migration to Gemini was completed in September, and Google Assistant was retired, the Gemini struggle became an issue for all of these users, as they needed the default assistant to work correctly.
Users have complained about a wide variety of problems with Gemini, including the assistant not being able to call 911 or make regular phone calls. In some cases, Gemini was described by Android Auto users as another version of Cortana, Microsoft’s failed assistant that was launched for Windows Phone and Windows 10 users.
But leaving these struggles aside, there are big things to be excited about when it comes to the future of Android Auto.
The most important is the Cielo update, which includes a significant redesign of Android Auto and the introduction of new features like widgets and support for video apps.
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
Cielo was announced in the spring of this year, and according to the most recent discoveries in Android Auto beta builds, it’s getting closer to the launch. However, it’s more unlikely to land in the remaining months of 2026, so the debut is now expected to take place in the first quarter of 2027.
Android Auto will receive widget support, allowing users to get access to certain information, such as the weather forecast and the next calendar entries, directly from the main Android Auto UI. This means the Coolwalk interface will get a redesign with the introduction of a new panel, as Google doesn’t want to go the CarPlay way and introduce a special screen just for widgets.
The video app support will allow users to watch their favorite clips directly on their infotainment screens. YouTube will be one of the apps that will go live on Android Auto as part of this update.
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
Video apps will work only when vehicles are stationary, with apps that include an audio-only mode to support audio playback in the background once the vehicles start moving. Google is locking this ability behind a subscription, so you’ll need YouTube Premium for this feature.
Android Auto will also use the entire screen estate on infotainment units of various sizes and form factors. For example, most MINI models come with circular screens and right now display the Android Auto in a rectangular panel in the center of the unit. Once the Cielo update goes live, Android Auto will use the entire screen, with Google Maps expanding the maps to fill the screen and show more information.
The full build of today’s update is Android Auto 18.1.1643 beta.
