New Android Auto 11 update adds support for your phone's stock icon shape [APK Download]

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Google just pushed a major build to Android Auto with version 11. It features some aesthetic alongside some under-the-hood changes. Although it may seem a minor upgrade on the surface as compared to the previous one, Android Auto 11 update focuses on bringing a new set of icons that reflects with your phone’s default icon shape.

Some users in the Android Auto community have been seeing a new set of icons and shapes, same as their phone’s icon set; particularly in relation to Samsung’s One UI on Galaxy devices.

One user highlights the transformation of Android Auto icons on their Suzuki Swift 2020 with Smartplay Pro, using a Samsung S10e running OneUI 4.1, with new squircle shape. The squircle shape is famously present on the Samsung’s One UI firmware.

The user also states that the change came with the latest Android Auto build 11.0.134944-release.daily. This is the latest AA update on stable channel.

Others also pointed out that the icons retained the default Samsung squircle shape, deviating from the installed icon pack.

Moreover, Google Maps for Android Auto received a bunch of new features and interface changes such as a new vertical sidebar for the Google Maps interface with better accessibility and ease of use.

Android Auto 11 also includes a new color scheme for the navigation UI on Google Maps.

GMaps users should now be seeing a new color scheme for the navigation UI. The navigation lines are now vibrant (darker shade of blue, orange, and red) making it easier to follow the maps on smaller Android Auto displays. Check out the fresh color scheme introduced in the latest update.

Google Maps new colors look in 480p Android Auto update

This goes without saying that the new UI comes with the latest Coolwalk update; which is now available for all car head units. The update also adds a new vertical sidebar at the left that neatly stacks all the important buttons together, making them easily accessible for users.

The Settings button now joins the other controls on the left side, and it is top-aligned for better visibility and usability. The map zoom buttons remain at the bottom for familiar navigation.

As for the rest of the features, 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.

Read all about Android Auto Coodwalk UI here.

The latest update also adds Coolwalk support for third-party apps including Waze, WhatsApp, Google Messages, etc.