Google has increased the minimum required Android operating system (OS) version for using Android Auto, which means that many individuals with older smartphones will have to decide whether they should upgrade their phone’s OS or purchase a new phone altogether. Users who are affected by this change include those with phones currently running Android 9 or Android 10, but whose phones cannot be upgraded to a version of Android that is supported.
Drivers can use Android Auto to link up their compatible smart phone with the vehicle’s infotainment system so that they can view navigation, communication, and entertainment apps on the vehicle’s large screen. This type of service has become very popular among drivers because it provides them with a much larger screen for viewing information, and allows them to control things via voice commands rather than having to touch or hold their phone while driving.
The revised requirement will raise the lowest version of Android that is supported for both types of connection (wired and wireless) to Android 11. Since wireless Android Auto has always required Android 11 or newer, this revision will most likely only affect users who were connecting their old devices using a USB cord.
Why Google is changing the requirements
Android auto has undergone significant changes since being released. It is currently available with numerous features including but not limited to, navigation services, messaging services, media playback services and several other functions of a users phone on their vehicle’s system.
Maintaining compatibility with older OSs as software evolves can be very challenging. Newer features will most likely require updated system components, security protection, and technological capabilities which do not exist in older OSs.
Developers must test and maintain a large number of operating system versions because they have to provide support for a variety of different operating systems. Developers may choose to set a minimum supported operating system version to allow them to focus their development efforts on systems that continue to receive security patches and can run new software features.
The introduction of a compatibility change can create problems for users with older, functional smartphones, which will no longer receive significant Android update support. A smartphone may still provide basic functionality (e.g. call making/receiving, text messaging/receiving and running most standard apps) but cannot use a specific connected-car application.
At this time, the primary issue for these consumers is if they can update their current product as opposed to if they need to replace it.
Which phones are affected?
This modification affects Android devices that run either Android 9 or Android 10. There is nothing to suggest that all smartphones manufactured many years ago will automatically lose their ability to work with this software.
The determining factor for when a user receives updates from their manufacturer is the type of Android OS that is currently installed on the user’s mobile phone or tablet, and also if the manufacturer of the user’s mobile device offers an updated version of the Android operating system.
While some of the earlier models had large software updates made to them during the time they were commercially viable, other models stayed on their original OS or received small maintenance updates.
Owners should use their specific device to determine if it is compatible with a certain app, as opposed to just looking at the year the phone was released or what type of phone it is.
Users can typically find out what version of software they have on their mobile device by opening the Settings application and looking for “About phone” or “Software information.” The exact menu options available will depend upon the manufacturer of the device.
Users can also try to install the most recent official update from the manufacturer of their device (Android 11 or later) to resolve compatibility issues. Before attempting to update, users should ensure there is sufficient space on the device to complete the update, create a backup copy of any critical data, and then use the manufacturer’s provided method for installing updates.
If a suitable upgrade is not available, the device will likely not meet the lowest requirements for Android Auto.
What happens to wired connections?
The change will be most important to those individuals who use a USB cable to attach their phone to their vehicle.
Prior to this change, Android Auto required at least Android 9 to connect to your car using a wired connection. However, after the changes to the system requirements were made, Android 11 is now the required version of Android to use a wired connection.
Therefore, substituting cables or buying another type of USB accessory may not help resolve the problem if the source of the problem is due to an incompatible operating system.
Users will first need to verify their Android operating system (OS) version and see if there are any available updates. In addition, users should review the user guide of their vehicle to determine what types of connection options and infotainment system functions are compatible with their car.
Some vehicles can provide Bluetooth audio and hands-free calling without needing to use Android Auto. Therefore, if your vehicle becomes incompatible with Android Auto, you should still be able to use these independent features. However, what you will be able to do with each feature will vary depending on your specific vehicle and cell phone.
Drivers should not assume that when their Android Auto is lost, they have completely lost connection to their cell phones.
What about security?
An additional consideration, after assessing whether a device supports the use of connected cars, is whether that device can run the operating system.
Phones that are older and do not receive security updates can potentially contain security flaws that were fixed by newer software. Whether these flaws represent a threat will depend upon several factors including: the type of phone, the software on the phone, the availability of fixes for the flaws, and the way in which the user uses the phone.
The changes to Android Auto should not be viewed by users as an indication of their device becoming unsafe.
A more reasonable way of determining if your phone will continue to receive updates from the manufacturer is to find out what their security-support policy is. This is especially important for individuals that utilize their phones for accessing bank accounts, work related accounts or sending and receiving sensitive communication, as it is crucial to know if security patches are still being provided.
Experienced users may be tempted by the idea of making non-official operating system modifications. However, these changes can introduce more problems with compatibility, stability and security. Therefore, they do not offer an easy way forward for most users.
Should users buy a new smartphone?
People who can’t upgrade their phones to Android 11 (or later) and use Android Auto will likely need to buy a new device.
The choice of whether to purchase a new smartphone or keep your current one will depend on the status of your existing phone (condition), the amount of time that remains for it to receive updates to its operating system (software support), the state of its battery (battery health), and what you require from a phone each day (daily requirements).
Before purchasing a replacement consumer should verify if the replacement model has support for Android Auto and compatibility with their car. Also consumers should determine how long they expect the replacement phone to continue receiving security updates.
Those who don’t often utilize Android Auto may determine that the telephone they possess is sufficient for other purposes. On the other hand, individuals who depend heavily on navigation systems and other connected automobile applications will probably consider upgrading to be advantageous.
The updated minimum requirement of Google represents the balance between the creation of new software and how compatible it will be with existing hardware over time. Modern operating systems can offer a more stable platform for contemporary applications, however, those using older hardware could potentially experience increased expenses once support is discontinued.
The best course of action at this time would be to verify what version of Android your phone is currently running as well as check if there are any available updates prior to making an update/purchase decision.