Android Auto is an application that allows you to connect your Android phone to your car screen, and use your phone's functions safely and comfortably while driving. With Android Auto, you can access navigation, music, calls, messages, Google Assistant, and other compatible apps using your voice, buttons, or touchscreen. Android Auto is a very useful and practical application that improves the experience and performance of drivers.
But What if you have a phone with an old version of Android? Will you be able to continue using Android Auto? In this article, we are going to tell you why Android Auto will not work on phones with Android Nougat, what consequences will this measure by Google have, and what options do you have if this situation affects you.
Why won't Android Auto work on Nougat?
Android Auto won't work on Android Nougat phones, that is, with version 7.0 or 7.1 of Android, starting at the end of 2024. This measure is due to the fact that Google has decided to stop supporting versions prior to Android Oreo, version 8.0 of Android, which was launched in 2017. This means that Google will not release any more security, performance, or feature updates for these versions, and that Google apps, such as Chrome, Calendar or Android Auto, will stop working on these devices.
The reason for this decision by Google is to improve the quality and security of its operating system, and prevent users from being left with obsolete, vulnerable and limited versions of Android. According to Google data, only 5,9% of Android devices They have a version before Oreo, which means that most users have already updated to a newer version. However, this also means that there are millions of devices that will be left without support, and that will not be able to use Android Auto, among other applications.
What consequences will this measure by Google have?
This measure by Google will have several consequences for users who have a phone with Android Nougat, and who use Android Auto. Some of these consequences are:
- They will not be able to connect their phone to their car screen, and use your phone's features safely and comfortably while driving.
- They will not be able to access navigation, music, calls, messages, Google Assistant and other compatible applications, using your voice, buttons or touch screen.
- They will not be able to receive the latest security updates, performance or features of Android Auto, which may affect its operation and safety.
- They will not be able to take advantage of the new features and improvements of Android Auto, such as dark mode, driving mode, split screen mode or augmented reality mode.
These consequences can mean a loss of quality, comfort and safety for drivers, who will be forced to use their phone manually, or to do without it while driving.
What options do you have if this situation affects you?
- Update your phone to a newer version of Android, if possible. To do this, you must check if your phone has an update available, and follow the steps to install it. You can check this guide to know how to update your Android phone. However, this option may not be viable, if your phone does not receive any more updates, or if the update is not compatible with your phone.
- Buy a new phone with a newer version of Android, if you can afford it. To do this, you must choose a phone that has at least Android Oreo, or a later version, and that is compatible with Android Auto. You can check this list of phones compatible with Android Auto. This option may be the most recommended, as it will allow you to enjoy the latest features and improvements of Android and Android Auto, and also improve the security and performance of your phone.
- Use an alternative application to Android Auto, If you don't want to change your phone. To do this, you should look for an application that allows you to connect your phone to your car's screen, and use your phone's functions safely and comfortably while driving. Some of the alternative applications to Android Auto are C, which is Apple's app for iPhone users; MirrorLink, which is an application that works with some models of Samsung, Sony, LG and HTC; or Car Mode, which is a Samsung application that works with some models of the brand. This option may be a temporary solution, but it does not guarantee that these applications will continue to work on your phone, or that they will have the same features and benefits as Android Auto.
Update if you want to enjoy Android Auto
As you have seen if you have a phone with Android Nougat, that is, with version 7.0 or 7.1 of Android, you will not be able to continue using Android Auto from the end of 2024. This measure is due to the fact that Google has decided to stop supporting versions prior to Android Oreo, version 8.0 of Android, which was launched in 2017. This means that Google will not release any more security updates, performance or functions for these versions, and that Google applications, such as Chrome, Calendar or Android Auto, will stop working on these devices.
This measure will have several consequences for users who have a phone with Android Nougat, and who use Android Auto, such as loss of quality, comfort and safety when driving. If this situation affects you, and you have a phone with Android Nougat, You have several options to continue using Android Auto, or a similar alternative, such as updating your phone to a newer version of Android, buying a new phone with a newer version of Android, or using an alternative app to Android Auto. We hope that this article has been of help and interest to you in knowing and preparing for the situation of Android Auto and phones with Android Nougat.