Android Auto, Google’s smart automotive software experience, will soon support a more immersive audio experience, and for the first time, video too.<\/p>\n
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Dolby Atmos<\/a> is the big news here, as Android Auto will finally deliver the immersive audio format in a forthcoming update, though there are some stipulations to be aware of. This comes a couple of years after Apple<\/a> CarPlay began rolling out Dolby Atmos support in 2024.<\/p>\n Google’s current list of automotive manufacturers that will support Dolby Atmos includes BMW, Genesis, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, \u0160koda, Tata and Volvo, so you’ll need a supported vehicle from one of these brands to access the 3D audio format via the Android software system. We expect this list to expand in due course.<\/p>\n You’ll also need a streaming app that supports Dolby Atmos playback, which currently rules out the likes of Spotify<\/a> and YouTube<\/a> Music. Ironically, Google highlights that these two apps in particular have been freshly redesigned for Android Auto to accommodate better ease of use.<\/p>\n Apple Music<\/a>, Tidal<\/a> and Amazon Music Unlimited<\/a> should all deliver Dolby Atmos playback, but we’re clarifying with Google to confirm if all of these services are supported.<\/p>\n And it’s not just audio that’s getting souped up on Android Auto. For the first time, users will be able to watch videos in full HD up to 60fps on their car’s infotainment display through “apps like YouTube”.<\/p>\n We presume that this means other video apps will be supported when this feature launches later this year, but we’ve reached out to Google to confirm which streaming apps will and won’t be supported.<\/p>\n Videos on Android Auto will be supported in vehicles from BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, \u0160koda, Tata and Volvo.<\/p>\n What to read next<\/p>\n Watching videos while driving is, of course, a no-go, but Google has thankfully thought ahead. Video apps that support background audio will seamlessly transition into a podcast-style audio experience when you begin driving, meaning you can continue listening to what you were watching while you were parked.<\/p>\n These updates are both expected to roll out later this year, alongside a more customisable user interface and improved Google Maps experience.<\/p>\n With more in-car audio systems now supporting Dolby Atmos \u2013 Dolby itself made a big push for immersive in-car audio at CES<\/a> 2026 earlier this year \u2013 it’s encouraging to see Google make the necessary steps to upgrade Android Auto to support the latest in-car entertainment features.<\/p>\n MORE:<\/p>\n Read our full Sonos Premium Sound System (2026 Audi A3) review<\/a><\/p>\n