Android auto 13.0: Third-party dialer support on the horizon

The analysis of Android Auto 13.0 code reveals a forthcoming new feature for cars. It appears that developers are preparing the system to support third-party dialer apps. This is excellent news for Android Auto users who prefer not to use the default Phone app.

Android Auto is not only for car navigation and music playback, such as Google Maps and Spotify. Voice control, particularly the hands-free system for making phone calls, is also vital. Since its inception, Android Auto has only supported calls using the Phone app from "bare Android." However, this might soon change.

As reported by Android Authority based on APK code analysis of the latest Android Auto 13.0, the system contains references to preparations to support third-party dialers. In practice, this means that Android Auto will allow calls to be made somewhat differently than before, regarding the functionality of the "calling app" and its interface.

Currently, it is difficult to predict when support for additional dialers will appear on car screens. As we know from experience, Android Auto is updated primarily server-side, which means the rollout of the new option may not coincide with the release of the next app version updated on users’ phones. Often, new options are enabled for users who only have the latest or one of the newest releases of Android Auto.

In the near future, we also anticipate the activation of a new feature for managing "local media" in cars. This relates to controlling FM radio or playing music stored on the car's hard drive or connected via a USB drive. The latest release of Android Auto 13.0 confirms that the feature is being developed in the background, and we will likely see it activated in the coming weeks or months.