Android Auto: New swipe gesture makes control easier and safer

Google is rolling out a new update for Android Auto that makes using media apps safer while driving. With a new swipe gesture on the dashboard, users can now seamlessly switch between different audio applications.

Update brings new swipe gestures

Google has started gradually rolling out a new feature for Android Auto. The system, which mirrors smartphone content on the vehicle display, receives a comprehensively revised media control. Users can now switch between different active audio applications with a simple swipe gesture on the dashboard. The update is intended to reduce general distraction at the wheel and thus increase driving safety on the road. The innovation concerns the so-called Coolwalk interface, in which the screen is divided into different tiles. Previously, the system only showed the tile of the last used audio app. For example, if the driver switched from a music streaming service to an audio book, the previous tile disappeared completely from the screen. In order to return to the previous music, users had to take the cumbersome detour via the app overview.

Seamlessly switch audio apps

As Android Authority reported, the system now saves several recently used media sessions as separate tiles. Drivers simply swipe horizontally across the screen to seamlessly navigate between different programs. The new function supports various well-known applications such as Spotify, YouTube Music and Audible. The innovation enables faster operation of the user interface. However, the function requires that the respective applications have already been actively opened while driving. It is currently not further documented whether swiping via the small taskbar at the bottom of the screen also works. The feature is currently available for the first users in the beta version of Android Auto.

Harbinger of the big platform update

The introduction of swipe gestures is independent of the major platform update announced for the end of 2026. This should include, among other things, full support for widgets and the ability to play videos while stationary. Since the current media tile function is being gradually activated by Google, it may take a few days until all users can use the feature in their vehicles.