It looks like Android Auto is finally getting home screen widgets, 11 years after the platform's launch.

We've seen indications the feature was on the way for a few months now under the codename "Earth," but based on a recent Android Auto build unpacked by Android Authority (Android Auto version 16.8.161804-release.daily), it looks like its release is just around the corner. Google seems to be labeling the feature "Car Widgets," with a description that reads, "show glanceable information with quick controls."

When a new label is tapped, a widget picker appears, allowing you to search for available Car Widgets. There's also a featured section that displays your favorite widgets. Selecting a Car Widget displays a preview, allowing you to see how it fits on your Android Auto home screen. Right now, the Car Widgets seem to be a "very much still in-development feature" that isn't entirely working correctly and feels "cobbled-together," according to Android Authority.

For a more in-depth look at how Car Widgets work, check out Android Authority's story.

It's unclear when Car Widgets will release

Hopefully, Android Auto's widgets are very customizable

Currently, with Android Auto, you can add Taskbar Widgets that offer quick controls for certain apps (this feature doesn't seem to work with all vehicles), and you can customize Android Auto's launcher, which lets you add shortcuts and remove apps from the home screen. With Car Widgets, users will be able to add at-a-glance information to their in-car infotainment system's home screen, whether it's a calendar, the weather, or smartphone battery-related.

While Car Widgets appear to be getting closer to release, it's still unclear when they'll actually drop. It's likely Google will reveal more about Android Auto widgets at Google I/O 2026 on May 19th.

Apple first added widgets to CarPlay alongside iOS 13's release in September 2019. Examples of CarPlay widgets include Calendar, Siri suggestions, Now Playing, and more, though configuration options are limited, especially with third-party widgets. If Google is able to release highly customizable widgets for Android Auto, it would be yet another advantage the in-car operating system has over CarPlay.