Android Auto 13.8 Beta Released: Google’s Car Ready Mobile Apps Program In Works
Android Auto just got a new beta update after a long time. With Android Auto 13.8 Beta update, Google might roll out the promised Car Ready Mobile Apps Program and New Car App Quality Tiers. This program’s aim is to unlock new apps for Android Auto — which already exist on the user’s phone — without redevelopment by app devs. Similar to the feature of using phone’s wallpaper in Android Auto. Here, explore what’s new, download and install the latest Android Auto 13.8 Beta update.
The reference to new_app_available and new_parked_app_available were found in Android Auto 13.8 beta update. This feature may allow users to use some apps from phone onto their Android Auto without any extra effort. It will show you which apps are available while driving, and more apps may be unlocked while the car is parked.
Developers can now adapt their existing mobile apps for in-car use without the need for extensive redevelopment. Then push it to Android Auto via new apps available feature. See more details below.
What’s new in Android Auto 13.8?
The Android Auto 13.8 update fixes the issue where the car’s current location icon was improperly centered due to the search dialog covering a significant portion of the screen. Now, the UI is more balanced, ensuring that your navigation experience is smoother and less frustrating.
Android’s February 2025 security patch addressed persistent issues with audio output and intermittent Bluetooth connectivity. This update ensures that the audio systems in your car function as expected and that your devices connect reliably.
The two main fixes brought up in the February 2025 patch are related to Audio and Bluetooth, especially for Android Auto. It fixed issues with audio output in Android Auto under certain conditions and fix for issue occasionally preventing connection with certain Bluetooth devices or accessories.
Google Pixel lineup is the first to receive the February software update running Android 15. However, other phone manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, Nothing, Xiaomi, OPPO, and telecom carriers will soon release the latest Android Security Patches for their respective phones this month.
If your car has been facing audio issues while connected to Android Auto, keep an eye on the new software update by visiting Settings > System Update > Check for OTA Update on your phone.
Fixed Google Maps Centered Issue
The latest update fixed a very annoying issue with Google Maps, wherein the UI is centered on the screen. This makes the car current location icon centered, making it difficult to see one’s location when the destination box is taking up a good portion of the screen.
When the user doesn’t have a destination set, the search box covers a significant portion of the screen, unless you close it every time you start the car.
The issue with Google Maps on Android Auto that makes the car current location icon centered may have been fixed with the latest update. It is off-centered now.
We’ve noticed that the latest Google Maps update now fits the Android Auto screen much more effectively.
Our APK Breakdown series, unveils new features implemented in the latest Android app updates, including the latest Android Auto.
New Android Auto Apps
Android Auto may notify you if there are new apps available for your car. Google announced Car Ready Mobile Apps Program last year, which may be taking effect now as Android Auto will show compatible apps installed on your phone.
We found the following code in Android Auto 13.7 source:
<public type=”string” name=”new_app_available”/>
<public type=”string” name=”new_parked_app_available”/>
The new parked app is particularly interesting because Android Auto may enable mroe apps when parked.
Car Ready Mobile Apps Program
Android Auto 13.8 update aligns with Google’s promise for Car Ready Mobile Apps Program and New Car App Quality Tiers.
Google announced new quality tiers to streamline the process of adapting existing apps for cars. These tiers ensure that apps provide a great user experience while addressing unique automotive considerations such as safety and varied screen sizes.
The tiers include:
- Tier 1: Car Differentiated — Apps specifically designed for the diverse hardware in cars, adaptable to both driving and parked modes, and optimized for various screens like the center console and instrument cluster.
- Tier 2: Car Optimized — Apps that provide a strong in-car experience with some car-specific engineering, suitable for both driving and parked modes.
- Tier 3: Car Ready — Apps compatible with large screens, enabled while the car is parked, and requiring minimal additional development work.
Android Auto Car App Quality Tiers may be taking into effect and app developers may already be working on deploying apps for cars as we write. We may even see Google’s own apps like YouTube make its way to Android Auto while the care is parked.
Download Android Auto 13.8 Beta APK
New Android Auto 13.8.150744 betaAPK is now available for download. Get the APK and sideload onto your phone. Or, sign up for beta and get it officially from the Google Play Store.
- Android Auto APK 13.8 beta (arm64)
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. As an alternative, download APK from above or sign up for beta version.
