Android Auto 15.9 rolls out, setting the stage for widgets and Gemini in 2026

Google has officially begun rolling out Android Auto version 15.9, likely the platform’s final update of 2025. It’s already live in the Google Play Store, though, as usual, the release is staggered: only a limited number of devices will see it in the first days, with a broader rollout over the coming weeks.

Version 15.9 arrives straight as a stable build—Google skipped public beta testing this time, a sign the release is ready for daily use. Those who don’t want to wait for the automatic update can sideload the new version via APK without uninstalling their current build.

Google hasn’t published an official changelog, and no visible interface tweaks have been spotted. Still, 15.9 matters as groundwork for what’s next. Major changes are expected in 2026, with the headline act being the return of widgets.

Unlike Apple CarPlay, which places widgets on a separate screen, Google plans to weave them directly into the Coolwalk interface, bringing the layout closer to how Android handles them on phones. Test builds have already shown weather and calendar widgets, and Google intends to open support for third‑party apps.

The ambition is to make most phone widgets compatible with Android Auto, though that approach could prove contentious in cars with smaller displays. Another important vector is the integration of the Gemini AI assistant, which will gradually replace Google Assistant.

Gemini promises more natural voice interactions, broader search capabilities, and smarter navigation. Early features are already in testing, with wider deployment expected in early 2026—setting up Android Auto to be among the fastest‑moving in-car interfaces in the 2026 automotive segment.

On paper, Android Auto 15.9 looks modest, yet updates like this often set the stage for bigger leaps. Google is clearly preparing the platform for deeper AI integration and a more personalized interface. If widgets and Gemini arrive without compromising ease of use, Android Auto could make a meaningful step forward in 2026.