The approach allows Google to detect bugs in an early stage and resolve them before the update lands on more devices.
However, power users who don’t want to wait for the automatic rollout through the Play Store can update manually by sideloading the new APK build. The Android Auto 12.4 APK installer allows them to install the new version today. The process does not involve removing the existing Android Auto installation, as the latest build automatically replaces and updates all files on the device.
Sideloading an APK file might require special permissions if your Android phone is configured only to allow app installations from the Google Play Store.
Google did not share an updated changelog for Android Auto 12.4. I already installed both the beta and the stable builds, and the new releases look identical to the previous versions from a feature lineup perspective. This is a sign that Google focused mainly on under-the-hood fixes and optimizations.
While some users might find no reason to update, considering the lack of features, everybody should install Android Auto 12.4 for a more refined experience. Google shipping more refinements and polishing means Android Auto should run smoother on your device, albeit it’s unclear what bugs the update targeted.
If you installed Android Auto 12.4 on your device and noticed significant changes, please let me know in the comment box below. The APK teardown also didn’t reveal any new features—the bigger changes are typically observed in beta builds, and the Android Auto 12.4 beta did not include such references.
Meanwhile, we’re still waiting for the promised app revolution that will happen once Google starts bringing apps built for large screens to Android Auto. Google announced at I/O earlier this year that it’ll start reviewing apps developed for larger screens to determine if they meet certain criteria for running in cars. If they do, these apps will automatically become available for Android Auto users, with no changes required from the developer.
The project is already in its early days, and developers can manually request the review before Google kicks off the program and becomes the automatic reviewing.
Considering the accelerated release pace for Android Auto updates, a new beta build should start shipping next week, possibly with bigger changes under the hood. A new stable release is expected by the end of the month.