Google Maps reportedly prepping car icon and color picker for Android Auto

Source: 9to5Google

The new Google Maps custom car icons have been available for a year, and more recently, the existence of custom icons in the Android Auto build. A new APK teardown report alleges that Google is preparing to bring that car‑color and icon picker to Android Auto displays as well.

According to a report from Android Authority, Google Maps is preparing to bring the car and color selection screen from the mobile app to the Android Auto build. That screen lets users choose their car icon from five modern designs and three traditional looks. The app also offers a color picker for the recently added designs, allowing users to tailor the avatar to their real‑life vehicle.

The option was found in Android Auto version 16.2.660604.

Back in February 2025, Google Maps launched the customization feature for the Android app. Several months later, the custom icon started showing up in the Android Auto version of Google Maps, where a large number of users rely on the service today. Currently, the only way to set a custom vehicle style and color is through the mobile app; the selection then appears in Android Auto.

Anticipated Android Auto Integration

The discovery suggests Google will add the selection screen directly to the Android Auto Google Maps build, eliminating the need to configure it on a phone. The option is expected to appear in Navigation settings → Driving avatar. The subsequent screen would house the same options seen in the Google Maps Android app.

Screenshots

Outlook

There’s no word on when the option will be publicly available on Android Auto. Its presence in the APK, while hidden from the public UI, suggests the feature is in the late stages of development, but no release date has been announced.