Android Auto: More Apps on Screen Soon? Fewer Scrolling While Driving

08/11/2025 Mobile

If you're like me, you've probably found the Android Auto app drawer a bit cramped at times. Depending on your car's screen size, you typically see only four or five app icons across. When you've got a ton of apps installed, finding the one you need can mean scrolling through multiple pages – not ideal when you should be focused on driving!

Well, it looks like Google might be addressing this. There's evidence suggesting they're working on an update that could increase the number of apps visible on your car's screen at once. That means less time scrolling and more time focused on the road. It's a small change, but one that could make a real difference in usability.

Under the hood of a recent Android Auto app version, hints were found about a potentially expanded grid layout. Instead of the current maximum of five columns, we might soon see up to seven! While the actual number of columns you see will depend on your car's display size, the possibility of seeing more apps without scrolling is definitely appealing.

The interesting thing is, this expanded grid seems to work with different Android Auto layouts. In some tests, a layout that previously showed five columns jumped to seven after some hidden settings were tweaked. Of course, this is all still under wraps. There's no official word from Google on when, or even if, this expanded app grid will be released to the public.

However, if it does roll out, I think it could be a welcome change, especially for those with larger in-car displays. Anything that makes browsing apps quicker and less distracting while driving is a win in my book. Safety and convenience are key!