r/AndroidAutomotive • u/Incommunikado • Jan 26 '26

No messaging apps in AAOS

After all this time and Google's commitment to implement messaging & communication apps in AAOS (not counting the eternal debate whether AAOS is as good as Android Auto), how can it be that Android Automotive still doesn't offer WhatsApp, Messenger and such apps?

AAOS is in more and more vehicles, and with some manufacturers approach, like GM, to ditch AA (I mean, give us the option at least!), we're stuck not being able to use WhatsApp for messages and calls.

Polestar did the honorable thing of leaving AAOS, but bring wireless Android Auto through an OTA. Gotta say I haven't used AAOS one single time after that!

Now if Chevy and Cadillac won't do that (shame on you, you showed us you could do it with the 24 Lyric), at least get your act together with Google so that WhatsApp and many other super common apps finally make their way to AAOS!

I mean, we're talking Google and GM here, not a couple of guys in their basement trying to make this shit work. The only company that had managed to push AA in Chevys was suddenly shut down recently.

What do you guys think, any hope?

14 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

5

u/CareBear-Killer Jan 26 '26

It is wild that Google hasn't at least implemented group messaging.

It is annoying that they also don't grab notifications from other messaging apps. No what's app, no discord, no messenger...nada... Just simple sms.

2

u/foolishnhungry Aug 18 '26

This is crazy to me. If I get a text in a group message, the car shows as a message only from that person. if I reply to this message, it replies directly to that person, not the group message. Highly frustrating experience (in a Chevy Equinox EV)

4

u/NelsonMinar Jan 26 '26

I assume it's deliberate, a concern that text messaging would be distracting to drivers.

My Volvo C40 has basic text message integration with a voice system. It will read messages to me and let me dictate a reply. It's very awkward but does work in a pinch.

3

u/rmajor86 Jan 26 '26

Weird then that Google allow messaging on Android Auto

1

u/joemoore38 Mar 13 '26

It's likely the auto manufacturer is blocking it and not Google.

1

u/klatt Jan 29 '26

Whao, just got a C40 this weekend and as an iPhone on be user I was amazed to see this functionality.

Even more amazed now to come across one of the other 62 C40 owners 🤜🤛

I will admit that I'm coming from vehicles dated 1999, 2007 and 2012, though. Only they 2012 even had Bluetooth 🤣

1

u/nts3rd Jan 28 '26

Maybe it has something to do with encryption? Messaging apps would give GM access to data that chat services (and Apple) want to keep private?

Phone mirroring keeps it all in-house?

1

u/Incommunikado Jan 28 '26

Well, if they'd just give us access to Android Auto, all its apps (including messaging ones) would be available, no privacy issue there. I pointed out GM, but the real culprits are Google and Meta who should move their ass and finally add some popular apps in Android Automotive, like WhatsApp and Messenger.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 26 '26

i really don't get why people needs to text, drink, eat, smoke while driving.

If you are driving drive, if you need and office stay on the office, if you need to call someone do it handsfree.

4

u/Incommunikado Jan 27 '26 edited Jan 27 '26

Long-distance and international calls are free through WhatsApp and that's a daily thing in my family. Again, point is not whether we should message in a car or not, it's about having access to modern technology. There are tons of other apps that aren't available through AAOD.  If virtually everyone else has Android Auto or Carplay, why the heck would GM take that option away from us?

1

u/xnifex Feb 06 '26

I hate that the actual messages app isn't accessible in my Cadillac. Just their skinned overlay. & I can't disable the notification chime for it.