Android Auto Just Got a Social Music Upgrade with Spotify Jam

Google is poised to enhance the Android Auto experience by integrating its advanced Gemini technology, alongside a suite of other notable upgrades to its infotainment platform. These enhancements were unveiled at the I/O 2025 event, where Google showcased a range of updates across its operating systems, with a particular focus on Android Auto.

The upcoming changes include the introduction of new car app templates designed for developers, facilitating the creation of dynamic layouts for applications. Spotify is among the first to embrace these new templates, with updates anticipated for both Android Auto and vehicles equipped with Google built-in (Android Automotive).

Passengers Can Now Start Jam Sessions on Android Auto

The revamped Spotify app will feature the innovative “Spotify Jam” capability on Android Auto. This collaborative tool, which debuted in 2023, empowers passengers to contribute to the car’s playlist and control the audio output through the vehicle’s stereo system. Imagine a shared playlist where each connected user can select their device as the audio source.

During the presentation, Google emphasized that activating the Jam feature in Android Auto is as simple as pressing a “Jam” button on the display. Participants can join the session by scanning a QR code displayed on the center screen, with the ability to manage participants throughout the journey.

Spotify Jam in Android Auto will allow music sharing and collaboration with passengers. / © Google

The updated Spotify app featuring the Jam functionality is expected to roll out in the coming months for compatible Android Auto vehicles. Google also plans to extend this feature to models equipped with Google built-in infotainment systems. Additionally, Amazon Music and YouTube Music are set to adopt the new car templates, although specific timelines for these updates remain undisclosed.

Video Apps Get Audio Mode and Expand to More Cars

In addition to Spotify, Google announced that video applications on vehicles with Google built-in will soon support a transition from video mode to an audio-only mode. Currently, video playback is restricted to when the vehicle is parked, interrupting content when the car begins to move. The new audio-only mode will allow users to listen to the audio from video content, such as video podcasts, while on the go.

Quick Share in Android Auto will enable seamless sharing of routes, music, and other content. / © Google

Another exciting update for video apps is the introduction of Quick Share for cars with Google built-in. This feature will facilitate cross-device sharing of content between smartphones and vehicles. For example, users can easily add a stop to their route directly from their phone using the Quick Share tool.

Furthermore, Google plans to implement passkeys and credential manager APIs for cars with Google built-in later this year, enhancing the security and protection of the infotainment system. For Android Auto, Google has confirmed that it will enable video and web browser apps on the older platform, features that were initially introduced in infotainment systems with Google built-in.

Are you looking to test these features once they are available on Android Auto and Android Automotive? What are your thoughts on Spotify Jam? We’d like to hear your opinions in the comments below.

AppWizard
Android Auto Just Got a Social Music Upgrade with Spotify Jam