The development of Android Auto unfolds across two distinct branches. Firstly, the beta program enables users to access pre-release versions of upcoming Android Auto updates, providing an avenue for feedback submission to Google and contributing to a more refined driving experience.
Conversely, stable builds of Android Auto prioritize reliability, offering users a polished release for seamless integration into their vehicles without the uncertainty associated with beta testing.
A fresh release of Android Auto has been moved to the beta stage by Google. Android Auto 11.6 beta was made available to users enrolled in the testing program, with the option for anyone to download the build using the standalone APK installer. However, it’s advisable for novice users seeking full reliability and stability to stick with stable updates.
Beta builds of Android Auto cater to testers familiar with the risks associated with pre-release software, emphasizing stable updates for users prioritizing bug-free experiences.
To initiate the test drive of Android Auto 11.6 beta, users can download the APK installer and navigate to its location using a file manager for installation.
While the update process is straightforward, first-time manual app installation may require granting special permissions due to default restrictions on non-Google Play Store app installs.
Notably, Android Auto 11.6 introduces no significant changes from previous updates, with Google maintaining its usual secrecy regarding new features. Despite this, forthcoming Android Auto features such as phone wallpapers, icon support, and AI-powered message summaries have been confirmed.
The rollout of these features has commenced for select users, albeit limited to specific regions and languages.
If no major bugs are detected during the beta phase, Google is expected to transition Android Auto 11.6 to the stable channel in the coming weeks.