Android Auto is losing popularity among car drivers, here's why

Android Auto

Google’s Android Auto, which is used to mirror some Android apps on the car infotainment system or default display, has been used by many drivers over the past few years. The platform also has a redesigned music player UI recently and is the biggest rival to Apple’s Car Play. However, according to a new report, Android Auto is now less preferred by drivers, while YouTube Music is a hit among drivers across all platforms.

Android Auto loses more market share with YouTube Music soaring high

According to a new report by Morgan Stanley Audio Entertainment Survey via Max Weinbach, Google’s Android Auto platform userbase is shrinking year-on-year as it is used by 7% fewer drivers, while Apple’s CarPlay grew by 2%. That drop likely comes from a combination of users who switched their phones from Android to iPhone, as newer vehicles also come with dual OS support.

Further, the report adds that more users are opting for Google’s default music and podcast service – YouTube Music for streaming music, listening to podcasts, and more during their driving sessions. Interestingly, CarPlay users are using YouTube music and podcast streaming services more compared to Android Auto users.

If we talk about the overall music platform share, YouTube Music has been well ahead of Spotify and Apple Music in the last five years and roughly has the same 12% userbase share as SiriusXM, which has been forcefully preinstalled by many car manufacturers on their vehicles in the last decade.