Version 17.0.162144 Android Auto beta users are reporting a new helpful feature that lets them quickly swap between current media apps. The accessible media apps that are loaded on users’ devices can be switched between with only a swipe.
On the Android Auto Dashboard, Google is formally introducing support for multiple swipeable media cards. This much-awaited quality-of-life feature functions as an instantaneous media app switcher. It removes the annoying necessity of manually closing one program, navigating menus, and opening another while operating a vehicle.
Shortly after Google made the media app switcher in Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 more user-friendly and obvious, the capability was removed. This is now possible with Android Auto as well.
As of this moment, stable Android Auto does not enable media app switching at all; instead, you must manually open the desired app and press play for it to show up on the home screen. Additionally, there is no easy method to return to the prior media app.
It will take some time until the feature makes its way to the stable channel because it is currently only available on the Android Auto beta channel. However, it doesn’t seem like it will take long.
How the new Android Auto works with the update enhances the split-screen Coolwalk layout by introducing multi-session backgrounding, a swipe-to-switch gesture for cycling through active audio apps, and a seamless media card that dynamically updates metadata and controls for the foreground app.
It was first rolled out and spotted in code in October 2025, however the feature is now rolling out to users on Android Auto Beta Version 17.0.162144, and while currently limited to the beta channel, its smooth implementation points to a stable release for all users via the Google Play Store in the coming weeks.
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