Google has dropped the first big Android Auto update of 2026. Yes, I am talking about the anticipated Android Auto 16.0 update. The update is rolling out with some key features, changes, and enhancements. While the 15.0 update didn’t bring any major changes to Android Automotive, the newest release carries an all-new media player.
Early this month, Google kick-started the Android Auto 16.0 rollout to beta users. Now the company has been extending the release to the public with version 16.0.660224. The best part is that it brings the much-awaited music player redesign we’ve been waiting for.
All these changes were first spotted by folks over at 9to5Google. Take a look at the screenshots of the new Media Player redesign out with the Android Auto 16.0 update.
The new media player screen UI shows the play/pause buttons at the bottom left corner, with the track controls available to the side, and remaining controls shifted to the right side. These new changes can be spotted inside apps like Spotify, Pocket Casts, YouTube Music, and more. These apps also sport the Material You theming for the new media player.
Make sure the Android Auto is updated to v15.0.6532 on your smartphone, you will receive the v16.0.660224 update over the air. You can check for the new updates on the Google Play Store. If the update isn’t yet visible on the Play Store, you can sideload the APK manually on your smartphone.
If you want to sideload the new version, you can navigate to APKMirror and download the v16.0.660224 APK. After downloading the APK file, you can head over to the file manager > downloads > and install the downloaded APK on your smartphone.
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