Google has informed users of the Android Auto for Phone Screens app that it will cease to function soon via an in-app pop-up notification. The program allows for a simplified Android in-car interface that is safer to use while mounting the phone on a car dashboard, which is a nice feature for individuals who do not own newer cars with the version of Android Auto that runs on the infotainment screen.
This is not Google’s first warning that it was banishing Android Auto for Phone Screens. It was already deprecated when Google disabled Android Auto for Phone Screens on newer Android 12 devices last year. People with older devices could still use the app, but Google did not specify how long it would be available, noting that it has “no further details to disclose at this time.”
This entire saga is the result of Google’s perplexing plans in 2019; the company intended consumers to shift from an on-phone Android Auto experience to the then-upcoming Google Assistant driving mode. However, the functionality was delayed and will not be available until 2020. During that time, the Android Auto for Phone Screens software served as a temporary solution for using your Android while driving if you didn’t have a newer supported vehicle.
The Android Auto for Phone Screens software is a simple solution that anyone can use in any vehicle to enjoy all of the benefits of Android Auto. Users will now have to either install an expensive new head unit that supports Android Auto or purchase a newer car if they want the Android Auto experience.
