Google's Android Auto, the smartphone-projected interface for car infotainment systems, may be on the cusp of gaining a highly-requested feature: the ability to cast media directly from a phone. New evidence found within the latest version of the app suggests Google is actively developing Google Cast integration, a move that would significantly enhance the media-sharing capabilities for millions of drivers and bring Android Auto closer to the feature set of its built-in counterpart, Android Automotive.
Evidence of Casting Functionality Emerges in Latest Build
The first signs of this development were uncovered by tech publication 9to5Google within Android Auto version 15.9.6551. Analysts discovered new code strings related to the Media Router framework, which is the underlying technology that powers Google Cast. These strings explicitly mention "Google Cast" in the context of a car experience, strongly indicating that the feature is in active development. While the strings are described as generic, their presence in an Android Auto-specific build is a clear signal of intent from Google, moving beyond mere speculation into tangible development work.
Core Discovery: New code strings within the Media Router (mr) framework explicitly reference "Google Cast" for a car experience.
Bridging the Gap with Android Automotive
The potential addition of Cast support represents a strategic alignment between Android Auto and Android Automotive OS. Android Automotive, the native operating system built directly into vehicles from manufacturers like Polestar and General Motors, already includes full Google Cast functionality. Bringing this feature to the phone-dependent Android Auto platform would create a more consistent ecosystem for users, regardless of whether their car's smart features are powered by their phone or the car itself. It addresses a notable gap between the two platforms and suggests Google is working to harmonize the user experience across its automotive software offerings.
Platform Context: Android Automotive OS (the native car OS) already has Google Cast support, which this update would bring to the phone-projected Android Auto platform.
Unanswered Questions on Implementation and Use
While the discovery confirms development is underway, key questions about the final implementation remain. The code strings hint at multiple possibilities, including casting from a phone to a car's display or even between phones within the vehicle. Given that Android Auto itself is essentially a casting solution—projecting a phone's interface to a car screen—the exact role of a new Cast feature is intriguing. It could enable passengers to share video or audio from their own devices to the central display, a functionality that has been a workaround for users until now and was previously teased by Google for future updates.
Aesthetic Updates Signal Ongoing Modernization
Alongside the Cast functionality clues, the same Android Auto version 15.9.6551 shows signs of a visual refresh. The app appears to be adopting more elements of Google's Material 3 "Expressive" design language. A new, wavy-style progress bar has been spotted within the media player interface, alongside refreshed button styles. This design evolution, while not yet enabled by default for all users, indicates Google's continuous effort to modernize the Android Auto interface, ensuring it stays visually cohesive with the wider Android ecosystem on phones and tablets.
Design Update: The same version introduces a new Material 3 Expressive-style wavy progress bar in the media player, signaling a visual refresh.
A Glimpse into the Connected Car's Future
The integration of Google Cast into Android Auto is more than a convenience feature; it points to the future of the connected car as a shared media hub. As of December 23, 2025, these features are not yet publicly available and remain under active development. However, their presence in the codebase is a promising sign for users who have longed for easier ways to share content on road trips or during commutes. When released, it could transform the in-car experience, making it simpler for anyone in the vehicle to become the DJ or share a video, seamlessly blending personal device content with the shared space of the car.