Digital.ai has added end-to-end automated testing for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay applications, extending its in-car software testing offer beyond Android Automotive OS and mobile-to-vehicle integrations.
The company said the update targets teams building and maintaining apps that run on a vehicle’s display through phone projection systems. Digital.ai said the platform validates in-car app behaviour at scale without the use of physical vehicles or complex laboratory set-ups.
Automakers and app developers face growing demand for in-car digital services. They also face scrutiny over safety expectations and compliance. Digital.ai pointed to fragmented testing practices and manual processes in the market. It linked these issues to the difficulty of scaling validation across different screens, operating system versions, and hardware configurations.
Market pressure
Android Auto has a large installed base, and many new vehicles ship with support for it. Apple CarPlay has also become common in new models. Digital.ai said these factors have increased expectations for consistent user experiences across different vehicles and devices.
The company framed the release as a response to testing challenges that arise when software teams need to verify projected in-car experiences. It said many teams still depend on separate testing environments and workflows that sit outside standard quality assurance processes.
Digital.ai also highlighted pressure from distracted driver safety guidelines and compliance standards such as ASPICE. It said software-related recalls have added focus on validation and traceability for in-car systems.
Testing scope
Digital.ai said the extended support covers workflows across Android Automotive OS, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The company described its approach as “real-device validation for projected experiences”. It said it provides consistent performance checks across a range of displays and devices.
The announcement also points to a broader shift in the automotive sector. Automakers now compete on in-car software experiences as well as mechanical features. Digital.ai said consumer expectations mirror smartphone experiences, which raises the bar for quality and reliability.
Digital.ai said early adopters include “category leaders in navigation, telecom, entertainment and automotive manufacturing”. It did not name those organisations.
Developer activity
Digital.ai referenced Google’s Android Auto developer programme for 2025 as a marker of rising industry activity around in-car apps. It said organisations use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for services such as navigation, food ordering, and communications. The company said these experiences require rigorous testing.
Support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is available as part of the Digital.ai Testing platform, the company said.
Digital.ai Chief Executive Derek Holt set out the company’s view of the testing challenge in projected in-car environments.
“Drivers expect the same polished, intuitive digital experience in their cars that they enjoy on their phones,” said Derek Holt, Chief Executive Officer, Digital.ai. “Historically, building and testing in-car applications at scale has been extremely difficult, where complexity is compounded by variable display sizes, OS versions, hardware setups, compliance requirements, and safety considerations. By supporting test automation for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay alongside AAOS and mobile, we’re giving automakers and app developers the ability to validate real-world driving experiences before cars hit the road. This is a major milestone for the industry, and one that will help teams reduce risk, accelerate releases, and ultimately, protect drivers on the road.”
Digital.ai said it expects further growth in demand for automated testing as more vehicle models ship with connected infotainment systems and as app makers expand their in-car offerings.