Google · Tesla · Android · Volvo · Engadget
Car manufacturers are ditching Android Auto in 2026: Here's why
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It's down to subscriptions, data and new AI-driven infotainment systems.
Key facts
- Google made a new play in 2017 with Android Automotive OS (AAOS), which debuted with the Polestar 2 in 2020
- Toyota and Ford tried to create their own system and BMW even tried to charge users $80 a year for CarPlay (while not supporting Android Auto at all until 2020 )
- Rivian offers its own premium data service, Rivian Connect+ that costs $150 per year
- Tesla, which also eschews Android Auto in favor of its own system, also charges $150 per year for its Connect+ premium cellular data service
Summary
For ten years or so, it has worked like a charm. Recently, though, that equation has changed. Other manufacturers have never offered Android Auto to begin with, particularly Rivian and Tesla. To understand how Android Auto came to dominate the dashboards of cars, a short history lesson is in order.