Android Auto update might fix cellular signal icon – is it back for you?

9to5google.com Sep 18, 2026

Android Auto update might fix cellular signal icon – is it back for you?

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 18, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

For the past four to five months, Android Auto users have reported that the cellular signal icon in the status bar intermittently disappears, leaving an empty gap in the interface. The issue, observed across various devices, has been discussed widely on forums such as Reddit. With the rollout of Android Auto version 17.8, several commenters claim the problem is resolved, noting that the icon reappears consistently after the update. One user attributed the fix to clearing the app cache post‑installation, suggesting a possible software‑side remedy. Although anecdotal evidence is limited to a small group of testers, the reports indicate that Google may have finally addressed the glitch in the latest release. Further confirmation from a broader user base remains pending.

💡 Why It Matters

· Restoring the signal icon eliminates a visual inconsistency that has distracted drivers and raised concerns about UI reliability in a safety‑critical infotainment system.

Android Capsules

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Samsung Gallery finally gets Google Photos sync — here’s what you need…

Samsung has replaced its long‑standing OneDrive integration with Google Photos in the Gallery app. The update, version 15.9.01.7, introduces a “Sync photos and videos” setting that lets users back up selected folders to a personal Google account directly from Gallery. The change coincides with the end of Samsung’s partnership with Microsoft on September 30, and the feature is available only on Android 13+ devices. Users can still disable sync or revert to OneDrive before the deadline.

💡 The move signals Samsung’s pivot toward Google’s ecosystem, reshaping how Galaxy users manage cloud backups and potentially influencing future partnerships.

androidcentral.com · Sep 18

Metro by T-Mobile wants to give you unlimited wireless AND a 2026…

Patrick, the eCommerce Editor at Android Central, transitioned from independent bookstore work and freelance writing to full‑time tech journalism in 2020. He joined Android Central in 2022 as the Deals and Commerce Writer, now overseeing eCommerce coverage and major sale events. Patrick specializes in simplifying complex tech purchases, aiming to reduce buyer’s remorse. His background spans writing for the Chicago Tribune, The Hill, BestReviews, and OddityMall, and he enjoys outdoor activities and caring for a polydactyl cat.

💡 Patrick’s expertise helps consumers navigate the often confusing tech marketplace, turning intricate carrier and device choices into clear, actionable advice. This clarity can save shoppers significant time and money.

androidcentral.com · Sep 18

After the iPhone Duo, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 just got even…

An overseas report indicates the Galaxy Z Fold 8 experienced a 10% sales lift after Apple unveiled its foldable iPhone Duo. Samsung’s Fold 8, already breaking pre‑order records, benefited from price differentials and immediate availability, especially in South Korea where the Duo costs a million won more and lacks a 1 TB option. The report notes consumers “waiting and seeing” before deciding, with the Fold 8’s quicker release and lower entry price tipping the scale.

💡 The surge shows how launch timing and pricing can sway consumer choice in the foldable market, underscoring the strategic advantage of early availability over a high‑profile competitor.

androidcentral.com · Sep 18

Google continues to fix Android 17 issues with a QPR2 Beta 5…

Google began rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 to eligible Pixel devices, delivering a series of bug fixes ahead of the final platform‑stability milestone. The update targets unexpected reboots during continuous UI scrolling in media‑heavy apps, a missing volume‑slider UI when casting, and an HDR toggle that remained active despite user settings. Additional patches correct a Bluetooth‑device‑type icon glitch, stray background highlights in search fields, a Private Space unlocking error, a power‑button shortcut that froze the touchscreen, camera panorama crashes, and Bluetooth audio distortion after calls. Testers with Pixel 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Fold or Pixel Tablet receive build vCP41.260828.005.A6; all other supported Pixels receive vCP41.260828.004.A8.

💡 The fixes clear the last technical hurdles before Android 17’s stable release, ensuring a smoother user experience for the flagship Pixel lineup.

androidcentral.com · Sep 18

Google just put the latest AI models through a brutal coding test…

Google unveiled Android Bench 2.0, a new benchmark that evaluates large language models on complex Android development tasks such as upgrading dependencies, adding major features, and building apps from scratch. The test introduces long‑horizon tasks that can take days to complete and shifts from a binary pass‑or‑fail to continuous scoring. Early results show GPT‑6 Astra leading with a 28% pass rate, while Gemini 3.8 Flash achieved only 8%. The benchmark aims to better gauge AI capabilities for real‑world software development.

💡 The benchmark forces AI models to tackle multi‑day coding projects, revealing practical strengths and gaps that smaller tests miss. It provides developers with clearer guidance on which models can reliably handle the full lifecycle of Android app creation.

9to5google.com · Sep 18

Google Keep update tweaks the homescreen widget on Android

Google has released version 5.26.365.x of its Keep app for Android, redesigning the “Note collection” homescreen widget. The previous Material You‑era sidebar that offered shortcuts for text, list, audio, drawing and photo notes has been removed and replaced with a circular floating‑action button (FAB). Tapping the FAB opens a pop‑up menu, mirroring the interaction of the smaller “Quick capture” widget and adding a second tap for note creation. The new edge‑to‑edge layout displays more of each note, eliminating the empty space that was common in full‑width homescreen configurations. The update follows the earlier rollout of Keep Live for Google AI Plus, Pro and Ultra subscribers and is being distributed through the Play Store.

💡 The streamlined widget reduces visual clutter and aligns Keep’s quick‑capture workflow with Google’s broader UI consistency, encouraging faster note‑taking directly from the home screen.