Android Auto is quietly changing something you stare at every drive
A new design detail is hiding in Google’s latest update.
Google is getting ready to tweak Android Auto again, and while this change is subtle, it’s something most drivers will notice pretty quickly.
Let’s be honest, a lot of us spend most of our drive time listening to music or podcasts, and we all have that one app we always open first. Google seems to be focusing on that exact experience with an upcoming Android Auto update.
According to a recent report, code found in the latest Android Auto build points to a new wavy progress bar for music players. The feature isn’t live yet, but the visuals are already there. Once it rolls out, media apps will use a Material 3 Expressive-style progress bar that looks very similar to what we’ve already seen on Pixel phones.
Instead of the current flat line, the progress bar will have a noticeable wave shape. It’s more animated, more playful, and definitely stands out compared to the very minimal look Android Auto uses today.
At first glance, a wavy progress bar might feel like a cosmetic tweak – and honestly, that’s exactly what it is. But it also fits into Google’s bigger push to modernize Android Auto and make it feel more in line with Android on your phone.
There’s also a practical side to it. The new bar appears thicker and more pronounced, which could make scrubbing through a song or podcast easier, especially when your hand isn’t perfectly steady in a moving car. Less precision needed means less time looking at the screen, which is always a good thing while driving.
Personally, I’m a bit on the fence with this one. I like the clean, flat progress bar we have now because it’s simple. At the same time, I get why some people will enjoy the more lively look.
If anything, I hope Google makes this optional and lets users choose between the classic flat bar and the new wavy design. Customization would make this change work for everyone.
A small visual update for music apps
Let’s be honest, a lot of us spend most of our drive time listening to music or podcasts, and we all have that one app we always open first. Google seems to be focusing on that exact experience with an upcoming Android Auto update.
The UI right now (first image) and what is to come (second image). | Image credit – Android Authority
Why this tiny change still matters
At first glance, a wavy progress bar might feel like a cosmetic tweak – and honestly, that’s exactly what it is. But it also fits into Google’s bigger push to modernize Android Auto and make it feel more in line with Android on your phone.
Not everyone will love it
Personally, I’m a bit on the fence with this one. I like the clean, flat progress bar we have now because it’s simple. At the same time, I get why some people will enjoy the more lively look.
If anything, I hope Google makes this optional and lets users choose between the classic flat bar and the new wavy design. Customization would make this change work for everyone.
And as always, this isn’t the only thing Google is working on for Android Auto. Recent updates made it possible to use Waze on your phone while it’s also running on your car’s display. There’s also a new widget panel in the works for quicker controls, plus Gemini is now rolling out globally to Android Auto users who already have it on their phones. The goal is pretty clear: fewer distractions, faster actions, and a smoother driving experience overall.
Follow us on Google News
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: