New Android Auto App Categories 2025
With the latest Android Auto update there are some of the most interesting app categories you should know. They are as follows:
5 Android Auto App Categories You Should Know
1. Navigational Apps
Google Maps on Android Auto
As we all know, Google Maps is a web service that provides detailed geospatial information worldwide. So that when you are driving, you cannot control your phone. Because of that, Android Auto has given the chance to use this on the car screen.
What's New on Android Auto?
With the new Google Maps update on Android Auto, Google Maps is now centered on the screen, so its user interface has changed.
What's More to Add?
According to users, they request a speedometer such as that in iOS. Most people are complaining if they even enable that speedometer setting on the map, as it doesn't appear on it. And more importantly, users are searching for a feature that allows them to schedule trips, adjust leave time based on traffic, a feature to find "gas stations near me", and to date, has been accurate on their gas prices.
Waze on Android Auto
There is a rumor that Waze navigation app is no longer on Android Auto. But it is not true. If you also have any doubt on that, here is how you can add Waze to Android Auto:
- Go to phone settings
- Search Android Auto
- Scroll to and enable taskbar widgets
- Go to the menu with available apps
- Select Waze there
- Tap the button in the bottom left until you get the list of apps
- Tap Waze
- If the ribbon is no longer there, you'll have to go into AA settings to enable it
Comparison Between Google Maps & Waze Android Auto
| Feature | Google Maps | Waze |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Web-based navigation service | Community-driven navigation app |
| UI Placement | Now centered on Android Auto screen | No major recent UI change |
| Live Traffic Updates | Yes | Yes (community-driven) |
| Speedometer | Enabled in settings, but often not visible | Not focused on this feature |
| Trip Scheduling | Requested by users, not officially supported yet | Not available |
| Gas Station Finder | Shows nearby stations with gas prices | Shows stations, but pricing may vary |
| Availability on Android Auto | Pre-installed on most Android phones | Rumored missing, but still available |
| How to Enable | Appears automatically on Android Auto | Go to phone settings → Android Auto → Enable taskbar widgets → Available apps → Select Waze |
2. Messaging Apps on Android Auto
WhatsApp on Android Auto
Android Auto allows you to experience the world's trending messaging app when you are behind the steering wheel. So that you can maintain your real-time presence with your loved ones and keep them updated about you.
What's New on Android Auto?
You can now send voice notes on WhatsApp even while driving. Here is a personal experience of how a user has used this feature.
"Ok, receiving and listening to voice notes works perfectly well in WhatsApp in AA. But is there a way to reply with a voice note? Often I'm driving while my partner is driving her car, and we voice note. Currently, replying has to be activated on the phone screen itself, which is obviously not ideal at all. The voice recognition is not accurate and cuts off after about a half-second pause in talking. It's annoying. So, voice notes are the only real option. I'd switch to Messages if that helped, but my partner probably wouldn't."
FB Messenger on Android Auto
You can only send and reply to messages with Messenger by Meta.
Common Issues of FB Messenger on Android Auto
- FB Messenger not showing on Android Auto: Sometimes, FB Messenger is not showing unless you launch it. So, first, check that you have launched it on the Android Auto customized launcher.
- We cannot accept calls via Android Auto: Yes, FB Messenger will only allow you to text and reply to messages, but you cannot respond to audio or video calls while driving.
Comparison Between WhatsApp & FB Messenger Android Auto
| Feature | Messenger | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Global messaging app | Messaging app by Meta |
| Android Auto Support | Fully supported with messaging features | Supported for basic texting |
| New Feature | Voice note playback and limited voice note sending | No major new feature on Android Auto |
| Sending Voice Notes | Listening works well; sending requires phone screen interaction | Not supported |
| Voice Recognition | Available but sometimes inaccurate and cuts off mid-sentence | Available via Android Auto speech-to-text |
| Calls on Android Auto | Not available | Audio/video calls not supported |
| Common Issues | Voice recognition limitations, lack of hands-free VoiceNote replies | App not showing unless launched; no call functionality |
| How to Access | Auto-appears in Android Auto when installed | Must launch and enable via Android Auto’s customized launcher |
3. Weather Apps
Here is a detailed explanation about this app based on what you can do with this Android Auto weather app:
Android Auto Compatible: Avoid surprises on the road by checking the WeatherRadar and RainfallRadar as you travel using Weather & Radar on Android Auto. See rain, snow, and thunderstorms in the immediate area and drive safely.
Stay up to date with current weather conditions: You can know whether the sun will be out, if a thunderstorm is approaching, if it'll rain, hail, or snow. The weather app accurately displays current weather conditions for your exact position in the USA, UK, Ireland, and any location worldwide.
Everything about the weather at a glance: The latest specifics on temperature, rain, probability of precipitation, snow, wind strength and direction, sunshine hours, sunrise, and sunset times. Detailed displays of air pressure, humidity levels, and UV index. Plan further ahead with the 14-day weather forecast.
Severe weather and storm warnings and warning maps: Activate severe weather warnings and receive push notifications when extreme weather conditions such as storms, thunderstorms, lightning, heavy winds, or snow are underway. The warning maps let you see where warnings have been issued.
More than just your typical Android Auto weather app: The enhanced radar map shows areas of cloud cover, sunshine, rainfall, snowfall, hail, thunderstorms, and lightning strikes. See meteorological conditions for various locations at once. Switch to RainfallRadar and see rainfall only against a more subtle backdrop, or the LightningRadar for lightning strikes as they happen.
Whether you are in London, Dublin, Cardiff, Glasgow, or Belfast, trace the movement of cloud formations and active storms to see if they will hit or bypass your location.
4. Entertainment Audio Apps
Android Auto allows you to listen to quality music and gives you access to the best streaming services, such as YouTube Music and Spotify.
YouTube Music & Spotify on Android Auto
By adding YouTube Music on Android Auto, you will access your favorite playlists, podcasts, and more. Whether you are a premium user or not, you can access YT Music in the car and listen to songs while driving via Android Auto.
If you experience YT Music & Spotify not working on Android Auto, here is the best solution that you should consider in advance:
Carlinkit AI Box
It transforms your driving experience by giving you access to the ultimate entertainment options right on your car’s screen. Let’s dive into some of its most powerful features and explore what makes the Carlinkit AI Box a must-have for any driver.
Features:
- Supports any video streaming
- In-built Android Auto
- Wired & Wireless using facilities
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth technology
- Play YouTube on Android Auto without any hassle
5. Entertainment Video Apps
Watch YouTube on Android Auto
Now you can enable and watch YouTube on Android Auto. But it is not official. With a little tweak, you have the chance to enable and add YouTube to Android Auto. Here is how you can do it simply:
- Read the Full Guide on how to watch YouTube in the car via Android Auto
- Tap on:
In this way, you can also stream Netflix and any video playback option on Android Auto.
Difference Between Entertainment Audio & Video Apps
| App / Device | Music Streaming | Video Playback | Premium Required | Wireless Support | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Music | Yes | No (music only) | No | Yes (via Android Auto) | Access playlists, podcasts, free & premium |
| Spotify | Yes | No | No | Yes | Podcasts, shuffle, albums, streaming |
| Carlinkit AI Box | Yes (via installed apps) | Yes (any video app) | No | Yes (Wi-Fi & Bluetooth) | Built-in Android OS, full app access, YouTube/Netflix playback |
| YouTube on Android Auto | No | Yes (unofficial) | No | Yes (after tweak) | Requires tweak, allows Netflix & video playback |
Customer Feedback in Action
FAQs
What are the app categories on the Android Auto app?
- Navigation
- Messaging
- Weather
- Entertainment audio apps
- Entertainment video apps
What is the best app category on the Android Auto app?
According to the users, they discover the entertainment video apps as the best and most entertaining category.
Can we enable the video playback feature on Android Auto?
Yes, as explained above, you can enable the video playback feature on Android Auto.
