Google confirms Android Auto updates & fixes for media apps – the squiggly line is here to stay
9to5google.com Oct 3, 2026

Google confirms Android Auto updates & fixes for media apps – the squiggly line is here to stay

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Google confirmed several recent Android Auto updates for media apps, including universal media control, a redesigned player for Spotify, YouTube Music, and Pocket Casts, and a dashboard widget that lets users swipe between active sessions. The company also announced improvements to autoplay behavior and a permanent “squiggly line” design that indicates track progress. These changes aim to streamline media interaction while addressing user feedback on the new interface.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The updates standardize media control across apps, reducing driver distraction and improving usability.
  • · The permanent squiggly line signals a shift toward a more consistent, track‑aware UI that could set a new industry benchmark for in‑car media displays.