Sanuj Bhatia / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google is engaged on new colours for Google Maps in Android Auto.
- The map floor and switch indicators in Google Maps may get darker even in mild mode.
- In darkish mode, the flip indicator will not be teal.
Google has been engaged on a number of new options and enhancements for Android Auto. Whereas we await the large Android Auto redesign introduced at I/O 2026, the corporate is engaged on different, extra delicate adjustments all through the expertise, together with a brand new icon. Nonetheless, Google is engaged on much more.
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The newest beta replace for the Android Auto app (v17.6.663424) consists of a number of new options. We’ve already reported on the brand new climate animation and assist for Fast Settings tiles. Nonetheless, we additionally managed to allow a brand new UI for Google Maps in Android Auto.
At present, the Google Maps floor has a lightweight background, and the path and switch indicator within the high proper has a teal background. That’s usually okay, however it may be fairly distracting on massive, vivid infotainment screens. Google is now testing a darker background for the map floor and a dark-gray colour for the flip indicator within the high proper.
The adjustments may additionally present up when utilizing the map in darkish mode. Google appears to be testing a a lot darker map floor in darkish mode and can be engaged on making the flip indicator darkish grey.
At present, the flip indicator stays teal even in darkish mode, and it does look a tad misplaced. This might additionally enhance visibility at night time, particularly because the present map colour isn’t darkish sufficient to be comfy to take a look at whereas driving.
Although Google usually runs A/B assessments for UI components and colours, this one is barely extra complicated. The map space inside Android Auto is often rendered utilizing the Google Maps app put in on the person’s linked cellphone. Nonetheless, the darker colour scheme isn’t displaying up on our linked Android cellphone and seems to be restricted to Android Auto.
We don’t know if that is an intentional change that Google is testing or a bug that crept into the most recent Android Auto beta. We’ll maintain an eye fixed out for any adjustments to the map’s floor in future updates and can replace you with any new data we come throughout.
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