Google begins rolling out Android Auto 15.9, the final update of 2025. No UI changes yet, but it lays groundwork for Coolwalk widgets and Gemini AI in 2026.
© A. Krivonosov
Google has begun a phased rollout of Android Auto version 15.9, which will likely be the platform’s final update in 2025. The release is already live on the Google Play Store and, as usual, is being distributed gradually and should reach all users over the coming weeks.
Notably, Android Auto 15.9 arrived straight as a stable build, with no public beta ahead of time, underscoring how ready this version is. Google hasn’t shared an official changelog, and no visual tweaks have surfaced so far. Even so, 15.9 serves as groundwork for larger features planned for 2026.
One major direction is the return of widgets. Unlike Apple CarPlay, where they live on a separate screen, Google intends to weave them directly into the Coolwalk interface. Test builds have already shown weather and calendar widgets, and support for third-party apps is expected later on.
Another strategic shift is the gradual move to the Gemini AI assistant, which will eventually replace Google Assistant. The aim is more natural voice control, broader search capabilities, and smarter navigation. A wider rollout of Gemini features is expected in early 2026.
On the surface, Android Auto 15.9 looks modest, yet this is exactly the kind of release that tends to precede major changes. Google is clearly preparing the platform for a new phase centered on personalization and artificial intelligence.