Android Auto could be getting a light theme soon — here’s what it will likely look like
AI-generated concept of a light-themed Android Auto UI. | Image credit: Google (original unedited image)
Good news for Android Auto users who miss having interface options: Google seems to be making solid progress on bringing back a light theme, and based on recent findings, it's looking much more polished than before.
As noted by the source, Android Auto actually offered a light theme years ago. However, that option disappeared back in 2019 with a big redesign, leaving everyone with the dark interface we use today. The idea of bringing it back popped up in 2023 when folks digging into the app's code found early work on it. Back then, though, it seemed very rough around the edges.
The main problem with those early versions spotted last year was inconsistency. While parts like the bottom navigation bar and suggestion cards switched to lighter colors, crucial elements like the settings menu, media apps, the phone screen, and navigation apps stayed dark. This made the whole look feel disjointed and incomplete, not like a proper theme. It just didn't look right.
The main problem with those early versions spotted last year was inconsistency. While parts like the bottom navigation bar and suggestion cards switched to lighter colors, crucial elements like the settings menu, media apps, the phone screen, and navigation apps stayed dark. This made the whole look feel disjointed and incomplete, not like a proper theme. It just didn't look right.
Fast-forward to now, and insights from newer versions of the app's code suggest Google has ironed out many of those kinks. The light theme isn't just partially applied anymore; it seems to stretch consistently across the entire Android Auto experience.
This means menus, different apps within Android Auto, and other interface elements should all adopt the lighter appearance, making the whole look feel much more put-together. As a nice touch, the colors are also said to adjust dynamically based on system settings.
So, why bother with a light theme when dark mode is popular for being easy on the eyes, especially at night? Well, a light theme has some real pluses, particularly for daytime driving. If you've ever struggled to see your car's screen clearly with bright sunlight flooding in, a light background with dark text can offer much better contrast and visibility compared to a dark screen.
It's simply easier to see in certain conditions. Plus, having the choice is always welcome. Competing systems like Apple CarPlay have long given users the option to choose between light, dark, or automatic modes. Getting this choice back in Android Auto would be a nice bit of customization.
It’s definitely encouraging to see the light theme evolve from a patchy experiment into something that looks genuinely usable and integrated. While we need to remember this is all based on hidden code and isn't officially out yet, the progress is a positive sign. Having the option to switch to a light interface would make Android Auto more versatile, especially for improving that tricky daytime visibility. Hopefully, this user choice becomes available for everyone before too long.
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