Google announced on a support page, first spotted by 9to5Google, that it will replace Google Assistant with Gemini on Android Auto starting as early as March 2026. This change targets Android Auto, a service that mirrors Android smartphone content to vehicle infotainment systems, to enable more natural speech interactions and reduce smartphone handling for driver safety.
The support page specifies that the current version of Google Assistant will no longer be available on Android Auto after March 2026, with Gemini assuming its role. Android Auto functions by connecting a compatible Android smartphone to a vehicle’s head unit or infotainment system, projecting apps and interfaces onto the car’s display. This setup allows drivers to access navigation, media, and communication tools without diverting attention from the road. The transition to Gemini aligns with Google’s efforts to integrate advanced AI capabilities into vehicle interfaces, building on the service’s existing features.
One primary objective of this replacement is to foster more natural speech interactions between drivers and the vehicle’s system. Drivers currently rely on voice commands through Google Assistant, but the system sometimes requires manual smartphone adjustments, which can distract from driving and violate traffic laws in many regions. By minimizing physical smartphone use, Gemini aims to enhance road safety. For instance, the AI will process commands in a conversational manner, allowing seamless continuations without restarting interactions. This development benefits drivers who seek to perform tasks while maintaining focus on the road, though compatibility issues may arise for users with older smartphones or head units that do not support Gemini’s requirements.
Gemini will integrate deeply with Google Maps to provide enhanced navigation capabilities. Users can employ natural language to request directions, such as saying, “navigate me to the best burger joint in the area.” The AI will interpret this and generate an appropriate route. Beyond initial queries, Gemini maintains contextual awareness, enabling follow-up questions like inquiring about popular dishes at the selected location or availability of free parking nearby. This conversational flow simplifies route adjustments, such as adding stops en route, without needing to rephrase commands or touch the screen. Google describes this as a “powerful boost” to Maps, emphasizing the ease of incorporating real-time modifications during travel.
In the realm of communication, Gemini addresses limitations in Google Assistant’s handling of hands-free messaging. The existing Assistant often struggles with accurate dictation, leading to errors in transcribed messages. Gemini introduces prompt-based manipulation, where drivers can refine messages verbally. An example provided by Google involves traffic delays: a driver could say, “Oops, I’m stuck in traffic. Can you let Leo know and add my ETA and a sorry emoji?” The AI would compose and send the message accordingly. This feature extends to editing without restarting, reducing frustration during composition.
Language support forms another key improvement, with Gemini capable of translating messages into over 40 different languages. This multilingual functionality ensures accessibility for diverse users, allowing seamless communication across linguistic barriers while driving. Additionally, Gemini generates concise summaries of incoming messages, including emails, to keep drivers informed without prolonged reading. For emails containing buried details, such as the location of a work event or the time of an upcoming flight, the AI extracts and presents this information clearly, aiding quick decision-making on the move.
Google views driving time as an opportunity for productivity, equipping Gemini with tools for managing inboxes and generating ideas. Motorists can review overflowing emails or brainstorm plans, like a family trip, through voice interactions. This approach transforms commutes into functional periods, leveraging AI to handle administrative and creative tasks hands-free.
Alongside Gemini’s rollout, Google commits to ongoing support for Waze, the mapping app it acquired in 2013. Rather than redirecting all innovations to its own Maps, Google plans to introduce new features and updates to Waze, enhancing its utility within the Android Auto ecosystem. This dual-support strategy ensures varied navigation options for users who prefer Waze’s community-driven alerts and real-time traffic reporting.
A recent Waze update, reported by Android Police, addresses connectivity challenges in Android Auto setups. When an Android smartphone connects to an Android Auto head unit, Waze now remains active on the phone itself. This allows users to search for locations or scroll maps directly on the smartphone screen, which often proves more intuitive than navigating via the vehicle’s display. The update proves particularly valuable for vehicles with head units lacking touchscreens or featuring lower-quality aftermarket interfaces with unreliable touch responses. By keeping Waze operational on the phone, drivers gain flexibility in managing navigation, especially in systems where the infotainment display limits interaction efficiency.
These developments reflect Google’s strategy to evolve in-car technology through AI integration and sustained app ecosystem support. The author of the original reporting, Leon Poultney, serves as an EVs correspondent with nearly two decades of experience in automotive and technology coverage. His work spans in-car entertainment systems to automated manufacturing processes, with a current emphasis on electric vehicles. Poultney anticipates future shifts toward technologies like electric vertical take-off and landing craft, while personally engaging with traditional motorcycles outside professional duties.
