Starting with Android 11 later this year, all phones will soon be able to connect wirelessly to compatible cars with Android Auto.
More than two years ago, Google finally made it possible for Android Auto to connect wirelessly instead of connecting to your stereos via USB. The wireless capabilities are so far only available on Google’s Pixel phones and Samsung Galaxy phones.
Today, Google has updated its Android Auto support page which describes in which countries Android Auto can be used and which devices are required to use Android Auto wirelessly. Above the usual description of which phones are compatible on Android 10 and Android Pie, Google has added a new comment stating that “Elk smartphone with Android 11.0 ″ can use Android Auto wirelessly.
Pretty clear, that means any Android phone from the likes of LG, Motorola, Samsung, Nokia, etc. that is released or updated on Android 11 will be able to enjoy wireless connection with their car / stereo with Android Auto. Interesting is that soene also means that Android One – though not Android Go – can use Android Auto phones wirelessly when their Android 11 update arrives.
The only major limitation is that your phone must be able to connect to 5GHz WiFi networks. Google also specifically warns EU residents that your phone may still be incompatible, even with Android 11, because the EU has specific requirements for 5GHz used in your car. Likewise, people in banned countries like Japan and Russia will not yet be able to use Android wirelessly.
The update comes as automotive OEMs like BMW long to finally start putting wireless Android Auto support in more of their cars. Now we just need more companies to follow this so that more of us can leave the USB-C cable behind.
More on Android Auto:
FTC: We use revenue-generating links for auto-affiliate. More.
Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:
