Android Auto 9.5 beta update rolling out [APK Download]

Android Auto is a software platform developed by Google that brings the functionality of a smartphone to a car’s dashboard. It provides a safer and more convenient way for drivers to interact with their phones while on the road. The latest Android Auto 9.5 is now rolling out to beta testers.

There is not much of a change in the latest Android Auto 9.5 update. It is just a version bump from the previous one. However, it features all the changes from the previous versions.

To summarize, starting Android Auto 8.9, Google has removed dependency for rotary and touchpad from the system. This has been verified with DHU and HUR by some users. With these restrictions gone, Android Auto can unlock several features, including Coolwalk, on most car head units.

The latest update also enables Coolwalk support for third-party apps including Waze, WhatsApp, Google Messages, etc. These apps now support Android Auto’s ‘Coolwalk’ dashboard.

Android Auto 8.8 Coolwalk Waze 1 — Waze supports Android Auto Coolwalk

Android Auto 8.8 Coolwalk Waze 2 — Waze supports Android Auto Coolwalk

Furthermore, you will soon be able to make WhatsApp calls directly from Android Auto. You will be able to accept incoming calls as well for a hands-free experience.

While you can already use and share your digital car key across Pixel and iPhone, Key sharing is coming to Samsung and Xiaomi phones with this update. Key sharing makes it easier to give trusted friends and family access to your car.

The previous Android Auto 8.9 beta brought Coolwalk UI and tons of features and capabilities like WhatsApp calling and answer support, digital car key, Material You support, key sharing, and much more. All these features have been implemented in the next update.

BMW just recently added digital car key feature to its cars.

Learn more about what’s new with this update below.

Animation showcasing digital car key, Android Auto and cars with Google built-in

Android Auto 9.5 update

The new Coolwalk user interface (UI) is now available for all Android Auto users via stable channel. You must download the latest Android Auto beta APK on your phone and connect it to the car head unit.

Read all about Android Auto Coodwalk UI here.

The new design focuses on three crucial tasks for drivers: navigation, communication with friends and family, and listening to music or podcasts.

Google Maps has been moved closer to the driver’s seat, allowing you to see where you’re headed at a glance.

The redesigned media card incorporates the best of Material You to highlight your favorite album art, and the new fast launcher allows you to access recently-used apps swiftly.

Furthermore, the split screen arrangement is adjustable to many screen sizes, so it looks seamless on all car displays with widescreen, portrait, or any other screen size.

Google Assistant now makes intelligent recommendations, such as missed call reminders, speedy arrival time-sharing, and instant access to music or podcasts.

On-screen shortcuts expedite message responses and phone calls to favorite contacts.

In addition, Google is introducing a seekable progress bar for music and podcasts so you may skip ahead in a song or episode.

Finally, starting with the latest Pixel and Samsung phones, you can soon make calls using WhatsApp with Android Auto.

You can currently share your digital car key between Pixel and iPhone to provide trusted friends and family access to your automobile.

Samsung phones will soon support key sharing, while Xiaomi users will be able to use and share digital auto keys later this year.

Cars with Google built-in bring Google Assistant, Google Maps, and more apps from Google Play directly to the car screen without relying on a phone, so drivers can just get in and go.

If you are an Android Auto beta tester, follow this tutorial on how to force enable Coolwalk on any AA-enabled device.

Android Auto coolwalk ui screenshot — Seevral Android Auto car head units with Coolwalk INterface

Android Auto coolwalk ui enabled — Seevral Android Auto car head units with Coolwalk INterface

It also comes with a new pause icon in the taskbar widget for music. While the icon was present before to allows users to pause music playback from the taskbar widget without having to open the music app, it has been redesigned.

The Android Auto 9.5 beta also comes with several other improvements, including faster startup times, improved voice command recognition, and enhanced compatibility with a range of Android devices. These improvements are designed to provide a smoother and more responsive experience for users.

The previous AA 9.5 update featured an interesting option to change the layout of the split-screen to either Media or Navigation closer to the driver.