This archive report was first published on 23 August 2021.
Published on August 23, 2021, Google has confirmed it is shutting down the standalone 'Android Auto for Phone Screens' app with Android 12.
Instead, users will be transitioned to Google Assistant driving mode, which is available within Google Maps, or the native Android Auto interface available in select cars.
According to Google, 'For those who use the on-phone experience (Android Automobile app), they will be transitioned to Google Assistant driving mode. Starting with Android 12, Google Assistant driving mode will be the built-in mobile driving experience.'
Google's confirmation came after some users reported seeing a message in the 'Android Auto for Phone Screens' app that said the service is 'now only available for car screens' and pointed phone users towards Google Assistant driving mode as a replacement.
Google came up with a formal announcement regarding the discontinuation after a few users complained that they were being redirected to the Google Assistant driving mode when they tried to enter the Android Auto for Phone Screens application.
