(Download) Android Auto 15.1 Update: Improved Theme and Added Material 3 Expressive Support
Google released a new major Android Auto 15.1 update to the beta channel. While the previous major update featured a fresh new theme — with material 3 colors, new icons, icon shapes for toolbar, and animations — Android Auto 15.1 comes with improvements to the theme following users complaints. The update also adds code for the upcoming Material 3 Expressive design language from the search giant. Here, see what’s new and download Android Auto 15.1 APK.
Google is getting closer to implementing Gemini for Android Auto, a new AI assistant for cars completely replacing the native Google Assistant. When Gemini 3.0 launches, Google may release a super lightweight AI model for tasks specific to cars.
Google’s Android Auto Team also proclaimed on community forums as to when the Gemini integration will come to Android Auto. Google Assistant will be deprecated sooner than expected across all Android platforms. The AA support team replied that Gemini will be coming to cars later this year and in the coming months, Google Assistant will be deprecated.
What’s new in Android Auto 15.1 update?
New Material 3 Theme and Colors for Android Auto
The previous Android Auto 15.0 update introduced a fresh Material 3 design that aimed to align the car interface with modern Android phone aesthetics. However, the rollout wasn’t without controversy. Many users expressed dissatisfaction with inconsistencies in the new design, particularly missing the familiar dark backgrounds and reporting that the interface didn’t look as polished as previous versions.
Android Auto 15.1 directly addresses these concerns with refined Material 3 theme colors that create better visual harmony between your phone and car display. The update ensures that your Android Auto screen now adopts UI elements that closely mirror your Android phone’s appearance, creating a more cohesive ecosystem experience.
The improved theme implementation extends across multiple interface elements including:
- Toolbar design with enhanced color coordination
- Notification panel styling that matches your phone’s aesthetic
- Head-up notification display improvements
- Settings interface with better visual hierarchy
- Third-party app interfaces that maintain design consistency
The Material 3 theme now provides personalized color palettes that dynamically adapt UI elements based on your device’s wallpaper settings. This creates a more personalized and visually appealing experience that feels natural and integrated.
Android Auto now adopts new Material 3 theme colors across the platform. The material color provide personalized color palettes that adapt UI elements based on your wallpaper. It focuses on adaptable layouts, rounded shapes, and UI consistency.
Whereas, Material 3 Expressive (M3 Expressive) provides a Vibrant, bolder colors and expanded palettes. Expect higher contrast, with clearer separation between key actions and background elements.
Here is the code we found:
<public type=”attr” name=”useMaterialThemeColors” />
Here is the screenshot of the new Android Auto using new color palette from your phone now.
This is great as Android Auto will now align with the material design and accent from your Android phone, as it already does with wallpaper and icons.
The theme also looks sharper as compared to previous versions.
Material 3 Expressive Design Preparation for cars
Google also unveiled Material 3 Expressive Design, which will come to all Android platforms, including Wear OS and Android Auto. The new design will also be published across all the Google apps. Material Expressive design code for Android Auto has already added by Google. So you can expect the new design in the near future.
Material 3 Expressive promises:
- Vibrant, bolder color schemes with expanded palette options
- Higher contrast ratios for improved readability while driving
- Clearer visual separation between interactive elements and background content
- Enhanced accessibility features for various lighting conditions
One of the most significant developments in this update is the inclusion of code supporting Google’s upcoming Material 3 Expressive design language. While not yet active, this preparation indicates that Android Auto users can expect even more dramatic visual improvements in future updates.
Google has been testing Material 3 Expressive across all the platforms including Android OS for phones, various Google apps, Wear OS, and now Android Auto for cars.
While Google promised M3E design coming to cars, it looks like the code has already being implemented. Android Auto could soon enable this new design language for your cars. We found the following code during our APK analysis:
<public type=”color” name=”settingslib_expressive_button_outline_color_selector”/>
<public type=”color” name=”settingslib_expressive_button_outlined_background_color_selector” />
<public type=”color” name=”settingslib_expressive_color_main_switch_bar_bg” />
<public type=”color” name=”settingslib_expressive_color_main_switch_text” />
<public type=”color” name=”settingslib_expressive_color_switch_thumb”/>
<public type=”color” name=”settingslib_expressive_color_switch_thumb_icon”/>
<public type=”color” name=”settingslib_expressive_color_switch_track” />
<public type=”color” name=”settingslib_expressive_filled_button_color”/>
Support for more DPI options
Android Auto app now supports 7 DPI options as compared to 6 in the previous updates. This means support for more screen types. The DPI ranges from 120, 240, 160, 213, 320, 480, and 640 DPI.
YouTube on Android Auto
NewPipe, the popular open-source YouTube client that prioritizes user privacy and functionality, has reached a significant milestone with the release of version 0.28.0. This latest update introduces highly anticipated Android Auto integration, marking a transformative moment for users who value both privacy and seamless multimedia experiences while driving. NewPipe enables playing any YouTube video on Android Auto in audio mode. So, users can listen to their favorite music or podcasts while driving.
Google Maps Update
Google has refined the Maps integration with several user-focused improvements that make navigation more intuitive and efficient during daily commutes. This feature was seen in the previous update. Looks like Google is keeping this design in Android Auto 15 as it’s quite functional for daily commute.
Redesigned Search Interface
The updated Google Maps search bar features a split design that includes:
- Enlarged search field for easier interaction while driving
- Intuitive briefcase icon providing quick access to home and work shortcuts
- Improved voice recognition capabilities for hands-free operation
- Enhanced real-time traffic integration for more accurate route planning
Intelligent Route Suggestions
The new system learns from user behavior patterns and provides smart suggestions for alternative routes based on:
- Current traffic conditions and congestion patterns
- Time of day and historical travel data
- User preferences and frequently visited locations
- Real-time road condition updates
This intelligent routing capability helps drivers avoid traffic delays while reducing the cognitive load required for navigation decisions.
New Animations
The update includes refined animations that provide visual feedback during common interactions:
- Loading animations that provide clear visual feedback during data processing
- Google Maps opening animation with a smooth zoom-in effect when first connecting to your vehicle
- Transition animations between different app interfaces
New Icons
Icons throughout the interface now feature:
- New border styling that creates a subtle 3D effect
- Glass-like visual treatment similar to modern iOS design principles
- Improved contrast for better visibility in various lighting conditions
- Consistent sizing and spacing across all interface elements
Support for more cars
Firefly (marque) is a brand of electric cars established by Chinese automotive manufacturer Nio Inc. Similarly, Lepar, Cheta, Flexis, Cougar, and iCar also gets support for Android Auto.
Newly Supported Brands
- Firefly – Electric vehicle brand from Chinese manufacturer Nio Inc.
- Lepar – Emerging automotive technology company
- Cheta – New electric vehicle manufacturer
- Flexis – Commercial vehicle solutions provider
- Cougar – Performance-oriented vehicle brand
- iCar – Electric vehicle technology platform
Found the following code during our APK analysis:
<public type=”drawable” name=”ic_oem_firefly”/>
<public type=”drawable” name=”ic_oem_lepar”/>
<public type=”drawable” name=”ic_oem_cheta”/>
<public type=”drawable” name=”ic_oem_flexis”/>
<public type=”drawable” name=”ic_oem_cougar”/>
<public type=”drawable” name=”ic_oem_icar”/>
Download Android Auto 15.1 APK
Android Auto 15.1 is available for download through multiple channels and will utilize the bundled APKs format moving forward, representing a significant change in how the application is distributed and installed. The installation process remains straightforward for most users, though the new format may require additional applications to install Split APKs, APKM, xAPK, or zip files depending on the user’s device configuration and preferred installation method.
Note that for some users, the Android Auto 15.1 crashes or won’t open. Either wait for another update or visit Google Play Store and uninstall update. Link below.
- Android Auto 15.1 beta download
- Download on Telegram
- APK Download
- APK Mirror (rename APKM to ZIP)
- Then Install Split APKS/XAPK/APKM/ZIP using SAI Installer (FOSS)
Download Android Auto from Play Store
The official Android Auto listing is now available on Play Store. However, the latest version takes some time to reflect as it is a phased update.
Try Samsung Auto
Samsung users have one more reason to be optimistic about their in-car experience, as Samsung is actively developing Samsung Auto with DeX connectivity as a possible alternative to Android Auto. This innovative solution builds upon Google’s existing Android Auto platform while specifically addressing the connectivity and functionality issues that Samsung phone users have commonly experienced over the years.
Here, see what’s new in the latest Android Auto 14.8.652804 update and download APK. (120-640dpi) (Android 8.0+)
- Also read:
Previous updates included substantial new code featuring Gemini AI settings integrated directly into the Android Auto phone settings app, indicating Google’s commitment to advancing AI integration in automotive applications.
