Android Auto light theme may return to improve daytime visibility

Some Android Auto users have been waiting for years for the return of a feature once considered basic: a light theme interface. This option disappeared after a major redesign in 2019. Since then, the system has received dozens of updates, yet the visual choice remains limited to a dark theme, regardless of lighting conditions or time of day.

Recent data shows that references to a light theme still persist in the code for Android Auto version 16.3. This matters because in the Android Auto ecosystem, features often "live" in the code for years before becoming available to users. The fact that Google hasn't removed these elements entirely suggests the idea is still under consideration, not archived.

The return of a light theme isn't just about aesthetics. During daytime driving, especially in direct sunlight, a dark interface often loses readability. A light background with contrasting elements is noticeably easier to see in such conditions, reducing eye strain and enhancing safety. That's why having theme options remains critically important.

Meanwhile, Android Auto's development is moving toward expanded functionality. Google is gradually transforming the system from a utilitarian assistant into a full-fledged automotive platform. Against this backdrop, there's even discussion of video apps, including services like Netflix, raising safety concerns. In this context, bringing back a light theme appears not as a step backward, but as an attempt to restore balance between convenience, adaptability, and common sense.