Android Auto's Media Player Gets a Fresh Redesign in Latest Update

Google is rolling out a redesign to the media player on Android Auto alongside the latest widely available updates. Android Auto 16.0 started rolling out to beta users earlier this month, but has more recently hit the stable track with version 16.0.660224. And, with this version, Google is also rolling out a redesign we’ve been waiting some time for. First shown off officially back at Google I/O 2025 last May, Android Auto’s media player has been preparing this new look for a while. The updated UI shows the play/pause button in the bottom left corner, with track controls to the side, and further playback controls beyond that. This new layout definitely breaks some muscle memory, but it looks quite nice and improves the placement of playback controls. We’re seeing the change in apps, including Spotify and Pocket Casts, with the former also showing some updated Material You theming to match the album art. Advertisement - scroll for more content The altered layout also appears in the condensed dashboard view. Let us know in the comments below if you’re seeing this change! Beyond the media player redesign, there aren’t any other notable user-facing changes in the latest Android Auto update. In a teardown, too, we didn’t find any noteworthy changes. More on Android Auto: Android Auto users are frustrated by a crumbling Google Assistant as Gemini rollout drags on This clever car charger delivers fast charging while using wired Android Auto & CarPlay [Gallery] Gemini on Android Auto is an update drivers seem to love or hate – what do you think? [Poll]