Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
GrapheneOS, an operating system based on Android that focuses mainly on privacy and security features, is finally getting support for Android Auto.
The OS comes without Google apps and services, and the team behind the project promises it'll "never include either Google Play services or another implementation of Google services."
As a result, running Android Auto on GrapheneOS was, for many, a deal-breaker, killing the chances of giving up on Android and switching to this more secure fork.
However, GrapheneOS also comes with a sandboxed Google Play compatibility layer, allowing Play services to run on the operating system as fully sandboxed apps. It means they won't get any special privileges, so they won't be able to track you or collect any data from the mobile device.
The compatibility layer allows GrapheneOS to get support for Android Auto, as the parent company announced recently. The first Android Auto implementation will be part of the next release, though it will originally be offered as a public Alpha before making its way to the production channel.
GrapheneOS will provide Android Auto with minimal required access, with the team explaining that. The wired version "is close to working with 0 special access required." It still needs a toggle currently, but the work on it continues.
The existing implementation in GrapheneOS comes with four permission toggles for different access options for Android Auto wired, wireless, audio routing control, and phone call control. However, no special access is granted by default.
GrapheneOS adding support for Android Auto is good news for users who don't want to stick with Android in the long term, either for privacy reasons or due to the growing number of problems behind the wheel. It's not a secret that Android 14 has wreaked havoc in the Android Auto world, causing a wide variety of problems, from broken connections to random disconnects and audio issues.
Android 14 is also causing connection errors on Samsung devices, where it's integrated into One UI 6.0. No fixes are available right now, but all companies in charge of refining the experience claim they are investigating, promising to ship patches soon.
Users might be tempted to give up on Android and switch to GrapheneOS for the complete package, as switching to this privacy-focused alternative can provide improved security and maybe a more stable experience on Android Auto. The latter is a gamble, though, as you'd normally expect a native integration of Android Auto to run smoother, reducing the likelihood of connection problems.
If you want to try out GrapheneOS, the easiest way to do it is to get a Nitro Phone 4, which is essentially a new-generation Pixel fitted with the operating system. However, keep in mind that Android Auto support isn't yet ready, so it could still take a while until it becomes available for users in the stable channel.
As a result, running Android Auto on GrapheneOS was, for many, a deal-breaker, killing the chances of giving up on Android and switching to this more secure fork.
However, GrapheneOS also comes with a sandboxed Google Play compatibility layer, allowing Play services to run on the operating system as fully sandboxed apps. It means they won't get any special privileges, so they won't be able to track you or collect any data from the mobile device.
The compatibility layer allows GrapheneOS to get support for Android Auto, as the parent company announced recently. The first Android Auto implementation will be part of the next release, though it will originally be offered as a public Alpha before making its way to the production channel.
GrapheneOS will provide Android Auto with minimal required access, with the team explaining that. The wired version "is close to working with 0 special access required." It still needs a toggle currently, but the work on it continues.
The existing implementation in GrapheneOS comes with four permission toggles for different access options for Android Auto wired, wireless, audio routing control, and phone call control. However, no special access is granted by default.
GrapheneOS adding support for Android Auto is good news for users who don't want to stick with Android in the long term, either for privacy reasons or due to the growing number of problems behind the wheel. It's not a secret that Android 14 has wreaked havoc in the Android Auto world, causing a wide variety of problems, from broken connections to random disconnects and audio issues.
Android 14 is also causing connection errors on Samsung devices, where it's integrated into One UI 6.0. No fixes are available right now, but all companies in charge of refining the experience claim they are investigating, promising to ship patches soon.
Users might be tempted to give up on Android and switch to GrapheneOS for the complete package, as switching to this privacy-focused alternative can provide improved security and maybe a more stable experience on Android Auto. The latter is a gamble, though, as you'd normally expect a native integration of Android Auto to run smoother, reducing the likelihood of connection problems.
If you want to try out GrapheneOS, the easiest way to do it is to get a Nitro Phone 4, which is essentially a new-generation Pixel fitted with the operating system. However, keep in mind that Android Auto support isn't yet ready, so it could still take a while until it becomes available for users in the stable channel.
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