A month with CarPlay: what surprised an Android Auto veteran
The author spent a month using Apple CarPlay exclusively after years of relying on Android Auto. They found CarPlay's Liquid Glass design more polished and better suited to an 8-inch car screen, with visual consistency matching iOS. Android Auto still works well, but its interface feels older while Google prepares a Material 3 Expressive redesign.
Parth Shah, an Android-focused technology writer, spent a full month using Apple CarPlay after years with Android Auto. He tested it in a Hyundai with an 8-inch infotainment display and an iPhone 17. CarPlay’s Liquid Glass styling, translucent elements, icons, and animations struck him as more cohesive and better scaled than Android Auto’s current look.
He valued CarPlay widgets, including third-party options such as Microsoft To Do, Outlook, and Asana, plus widget stacks and Smart Display Zoom. Incoming calls appeared in a smaller panel rather than covering the whole screen. Still, he missed Android Auto music apps Poweramp and Musicolet. Google is preparing a Material 3 Expressive redesign.
This comparison may influence drivers choosing between iPhone and Android ecosystems, since infotainment polish and app availability can shape daily routines. Automakers and app developers could feel pressure to optimize layouts for varied screen sizes and third-party widgets. A future Android Auto redesign may narrow perceived gaps, potentially benefiting users through more consistent, glanceable interfaces. However, individual preferences and vehicle compatibility may shape real-world impact.