Google recently began phasing out support for Android Auto, leaving many users with older devices out. The platform now requires your phone to be running Android 9.0 or later to be compatible.
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While Google hasn't officially revealed the reasons behind this decision, it's clear that they're aiming to improve the overall Android Auto experience. By requiring newer versions of Android, Google can leverage the latest features and security improvements to provide a smoother and more secure connection between your phone and your car.
If your phone is still running Android 8.0 or earlier, unfortunately you won't be able to use Android Auto. You may see a message saying "This phone no longer supports Android Auto" when you try to connect to your car.
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While this change may disappoint some users, it's important to note that only a small portion of Android devices are still running Android 8.0. As of May 2024, just 5.8% of active Android devices were on this older version.
If device is among those affected, you might want to consider upgrading to a newer model. Not only will you regain support for Android Auto, but you'll also benefit from the latest security patches and other quality perks that come with newer phones.
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The best part about software support in recent years is that manufacturers have generally adopted a longer software update policy. A mid-range phone will often come with major operating system updates for 4 or 5 years, with a corresponding or even longer period of security patches to keep your phone secure. So even if you're not a fan of buying a new phone every two or three years, you'll likely avoid losing access to popular services like Android Auto.
Source: phonearena
