Amidst the chaos surrounding the Gemini switch, Android Auto continues to receive meaningful improvements. There’s the big redesign announced at I/O 2026 that we’re still waiting for, along with other changes, including a new icon. But that’s not all. It seems Google is working on new dark colors for Google Maps in Android Auto.
Google Maps in Android Auto could soon get darker colors
The latest beta update for the Android Auto app v17.6.663424 includes new features. Reports point to a new weather animation and support for Quick Settings tiles. Additionally, folks at Android Authority have managed to enable a new UI for Google Maps in Android Auto. Before we get to that, currently, Google Maps shows a light background, and the direction and turn indicator has a teal background.Â
Although the UI is completely functional and has no major complaints, Google wants to improve it further. It’s reportedly testing a darker background for the map area and a dark-gray color for the turn indicator in the top right.
May improve visibility at night
The report says the new UI colors could also show up when using the map in dark mode. Google seems to be testing a much darker map in dark mode and a dark gray turn indicator. At the moment, the turn indicator stays teal even in dark mode, which looks a little out of place. This change could also improve visibility at night, especially since the current map color isn’t dark enough to be comfortable while driving.
The map area inside Android Auto usually renders using the Google Maps app installed on the user’s connected phone. However, the report notes that the darker color scheme doesn’t appear on the connected Android phone. It seems to be limited to Android Auto. It is unclear whether this is a real change that Google is testing or a bug in the latest Android Auto beta. We’ll probably know more when or if there’s more progress in development.
The post Google Maps in Android Auto Could Soon Be Easier on the Eyes appeared first on Android Headlines.
​Â
