For Android Auto enthusiasts utilizing older devices, a significant shift is underway. As of this week, the in-car information and entertainment application has officially ceased support for smartphones operating on Android 8. This transition follows an earlier indication from Google, which updated its “Get Started” support page to reflect that Android 9.0 or later is now a prerequisite for continued access to the service.
While users of Android 8 were initially able to connect without issue, many have recently encountered a notification stating, “This phone no longer supports Android Auto.” This change impacts both wired connections—where users typically link their devices via USB-C or USB-A ports—and wireless setups. To maintain functionality, an upgrade to a more recent operating system is essential.
Understanding the Shift
The decision to set Android 9 as the minimum requirement aligns with the evolution of Android Auto itself. From Android 9 onwards, the app was integrated directly into the operating system, eliminating the need for a standalone download. This shift raises the possibility that the Android Auto app may soon be removed from the Play Store altogether.
While this development may frustrate the approximately 5% of Android users still operating on version 8, it is a logical step for Google. Although Android Auto currently functions adequately on older systems, the introduction of new features and enhancements may not be compatible with outdated software versions.
For those affected, the first course of action should be to verify if their device can be upgraded to a more recent Android version. Devices running Android 9 or newer will continue to support Android Auto. Unfortunately, there appears to be no viable hardware workaround for this issue. Some users have suggested sideloading an older version of the app and disabling automatic updates, but reports indicate this method has not proven effective.
Consequently, upgrading to a newer smartphone emerges as the most feasible solution. For those contemplating a device upgrade, there are numerous budget-friendly options available, such as the CMF Phone 1 from Nothing, currently retailing around 0.
