(Download) Android Auto 15.1 Update 2 Fixed Crashing of Settings
Google has rolled out Android Auto 15.1 Update 2 (build 15.1.6534) to the beta channel, specifically addressing a critical issue that caused the app to crash when accessed through phone settings. This update targets widespread compatibility problems affecting Android 15 on Samsung devices and Android 16 on Google Pixel phones, ensuring a more stable experience for millions of users navigating the transition to Google’s refreshed automotive interface. Download the latest Android Auto 15.1 update 2 fixed crashing of settings.
What’s new in Android Auto 15.1 update 2?
Critical Bug Fixes for Settings Access
The primary focus of this update addresses a persistent crash issue that prevented users from accessing Android Auto through their device settings menu. This problem predominantly affected:
- Samsung devices running Android 15
- Google Pixel phones with Android 16
- OnePlus with Android 15
- Xiaomi with Android 15
- Samsung with Android 10
- Various other Android manufacturers experiencing similar compatibility issues
The crash would occur immediately upon opening Android Auto from the phone settings, rendering the app essentially unusable for affected users. This fix ensures seamless integration between the Android Auto app and the broader Android ecosystem.
New Material 3 Theme and Colors for Android Auto
The latest iteration builds upon the controversial Material 3 design overhaul introduced in stable Android Auto 15.0, responding to user feedback while preparing the platform for future AI integration through Gemini assistant capabilities. The previous update featured a fresh new theme with material 3 colors, new icons, icon shapes for toolbar, and animations. The beta comes with improvements to the theme following user complaints.
A fresh Material 3 design is included in this update 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.
Users will notice that Android Auto now adopts UI elements that closely mirror their Android phone’s appearance, creating a more cohesive ecosystem experience that feels natural and integrated.
The Material 3 refinements extend across multiple components:
- Toolbar design with enhanced color coordination
- Notification panel styling that matches phone aesthetics
- Head-up display improvements for better visibility
- Third-party app interfaces maintaining design consistency
- Settings interface with clearer visual hierarchy
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.
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
Material 3 Expressive Design Preparation for cars
Google has embedded code supporting the upcoming Material 3 Expressive design language, indicating significant visual improvements on the horizon. While not yet active, this preparation suggests users can expect:
Advanced Visual Features
- 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
Technical Implementation
APK analysis reveals extensive code preparation for Material 3 Expressive:
settingslib_expressive_button_outline_color_selector
settingslib_expressive_button_outlined_background_color_selector
settingslib_expressive_color_main_switch_bar_bg
settingslib_expressive_color_main_switch_text
settingslib_expressive_color_switch_thumb
settingslib_expressive_filled_button_colorThis comprehensive code integration suggests Google is actively testing the new design language across Android Auto’s entire interface framework.
Support for more DPI options
Android Auto 15.1 now supports seven DPI options compared to six in previous versions, accommodating a broader range of screen types and resolutions:
- 120 DPI – Basic density displays
- 160 DPI – Medium density screens
- 213 DPI – High density displays
- 240 DPI – Extra high density
- 320 DPI – Extra extra high density
- 480 DPI – Ultra high density
- 640 DPI – Maximum density support
This expansion ensures compatibility with emerging automotive display technologies and various aftermarket Android Auto solutions.
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.
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”/>
Preparing for Gemini
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.
Download Android Auto 15.1 Update 2 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 update 2 downloads
- 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.
