Android Automotive explained: Why the operating system is reimagining the car
1. Why Android belongs in the car
The automotive industry is undergoing profound change: from the classic combustion engine with analog cockpit to connected, software-defined vehicles. In this development, Android Automotive Operating System (short: Android Automotive OS or AAOS) plays a central role. The system was introduced by Google in 2019 and offers car manufacturers the opportunity to outsource part of the software development in the vehicle and rely on a standardized, open platform. At the same time, users gain access to an extensive app store directly in the vehicle – similar to the transformation of the smartphone world.
2. Android Automotive vs. Android Auto vs. Apple CarPlay
Because we are always asked: So Android Automotive doesn't work for Apple users? Is Android Automotive the same as Android Auto?
The answer is clear: No, there are very decisive differences between Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Android Automotive. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are very similar – both work in the so-called "Projection Mode": An app on the smartphone mirrors the user interface to the vehicle display. Android Auto is Google's counterpart to Apple CarPlay.
Android Automotive OS, however, is a full operating system that runs directly on the hardware in the vehicle – regardless of whether a smartphone is connected or not. Important note: Many vehicles with Android Automotive OS still offer the additional possibility to use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This means that Apple users can also use their familiar infotainment experience via CarPlay in these vehicles – Android Automotive doesn't exclude anyone.
| Feature | Android Auto | Apple CarPlay | Android Automotive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standalone in vehicle | No | No | Yes |
| Usable without smartphone | No | No | Yes |
| Access to vehicle data | Limited | Limited | Comprehensive |
| Custom UI possible | No | No | Yes (OEM-controlled) |
Android Automotive is significantly more than an infotainment extension: It is a central platform for the entire digital vehicle experience.
3. What is possible with Android Automotive
The most important innovation for users is that in vehicles with Android Automotive OS, apps can be downloaded directly in the car – without having to connect a smartphone. Users thus gain access to an integrated app store, similar to smartphones, but specifically for the vehicle environment.
Android Automotive OS therefore offers the possibility to develop native apps directly for the car – both for car manufacturers (OEMs) and for third-party providers like Aximote. Well-known examples include Spotify, Google Maps or various charging apps for electric vehicles.
It becomes particularly exciting through integration with vehicle hardware: Via Android Automotive, developers can access up to 300 different vehicle data points and use them intelligently. These include, for example: current speed, battery status, acceleration values, engaged gear, tire pressure, oil temperature and many other parameters.
The possibilities range from personalized driving experiences through vehicle diagnostics to data-driven services for fleet management and sustainability.
4. Which manufacturers are already using Android Automotive
The adoption of Android Automotive OS is continuously gaining momentum in the automotive industry. By now, both premium and volume brands are using the system – albeit with different approaches.
Pioneers with Google integration:
Polestar and Volvo were the first series manufacturers with Android Automotive OS. Brands like Renault, Nissan and Ford follow this approach and rely on full integration of Google services with direct access to the Google Play Store in the vehicle.
German manufacturers with their own approach:
Brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen and Skoda use Android Automotive OS as a basis but develop their own user interfaces and app stores. They benefit from the flexibility of the open-source system while maintaining maximum control over the user experience.
The list is steadily growing – already over 30 vehicle brands have implemented or announced Android Automotive.
From startups to established manufacturers, Android Automotive is establishing itself as the standard for modern vehicle software.
The different implementation approaches and their effects will be examined in detail in the next article.
5. Conclusion – Why AAOS belongs to the future
Android Automotive OS is more than an operating system.
It is the platform for a new generation of vehicle software. With deep integration into the vehicle, the possibility for individualization and access to native vehicle data, AAOS creates the foundation for new use cases – from intelligent driving behavior to data-based fleet optimization.
For companies like Aximote, this offers enormous innovation potential: The combination of AAOS, data-driven services and scalable architecture enables new forms of mobility intelligence – directly in the vehicle.