Google hasn’t forgotten about video apps for Android Auto

Published: (February 16, 2026 at 06:05 AM EST)
2 min read

Source: Android Authority

Android Auto launcher home screen

TL;DR

  • Google announced at I/O 2025 that Android Auto will soon support video apps while the vehicle is parked.
  • A new flag in the latest Android Auto beta points to upcoming video‑playback support.
  • The feature isn’t functional yet, but development is ongoing, indicating a release is likely in the near future.

Announcement at Google I/O 2025

Google revealed that Android Auto will soon support video apps, allowing users to watch videos during charging breaks or while the car is stationary. This capability is especially appealing to electric‑vehicle owners who often have longer parked periods. The official announcement can be found in the Android Authority article: Android Auto would soon support video apps.

New flag in Android Auto beta

In the Android Auto v16.3.160744 beta, a new feature flag was introduced that clearly references video‑app support:

CradleFeature__allow_video_apps

The presence of this flag suggests that Google is actively working on enabling video playback within Android Auto.

Current status

Attempts to launch video apps on Android Auto have not succeeded yet. Additional components and integration steps are likely required before the feature becomes usable. Nonetheless, the flag’s inclusion is a positive sign that the functionality is on the roadmap.

Disclaimer

⚠️ An APK teardown can indicate features that may appear in future releases, but there’s no guarantee that every predicted feature will reach a public launch.

0 views
Back to Blog

Related posts

Read more »