Android Auto Ends Support For Smartphones Running Android 8 Or Android 8.1. From now on, Android 9 is the minimum version required to enjoy the latest features of the infotainment system, and unfortunately, this means that nineteen Xiaomi smartphones will no longer have access to future updates.
It has been known for a while, but it is now confirmed by Google. Android 9 is the minimum requirement to enjoy all the latest features of Android Auto. While you can still use the infotainment system, you will miss out on updates, new features, and security patches.
These Xiaomi Smartphones Are Deprived Of Android Auto New Features
The Mi and Redmi ranges from Xiaomi are particularly affected by this new policy from Google. In total, twelve smartphones from the Mi range and seven from the Redmi range are impacted. For reference, these smartphones originally launched with Android 7 or Android 8. Now, their specifications are outdated for running all the latest features. Just look at what Google plans to add to Android Auto, such as support for Gemini.
Here are the Xiaomi smartphones that will no longer be compatible with Android Auto:
Mi Series
- Mi 5
- Mi 5s
- Mi 5s Plus
- Mi 6
- Mi 6X
- Mi 5X
- Mi A1
- Mi MIX 2
- Mi MIX 3 5G
- Mi Max
- Mi Max 2
- Mi Note 3
Redmi Series
- Redmi 4
- Redmi 4X
- Redmi 4 Prime
- Redmi 5
- Redmi 5A
- Redmi 5 Plus
- Redmi Note 4
- Redmi Note 4X
- Redmi Note 5
- Redmi Note 5 Pro
- Redmi Note 5A
- Redmi Note 5A Prime
- Redmi 6
- Redmi 6A
While Android 8 was released only in 2017, seven years later, it is clear that the operating system no longer meets the hardware and software requirements of Android Auto. Gemini requires much more recent processors and advanced security protocols. Thus, older Xiaomi smartphones running Android 8 will not be compatible, leading to the absence of future updates.
Owners of these smartphones have several options to continue using Android Auto with all the latest features. Upgrading to a newer Xiaomi smartphone is the best solution, such as the Xiaomi 17 with HyperOS 3 based on Android 16 as the operating system. This impressive Pro version guarantees long-term support for Android Auto.
In summary, users of older Xiaomi smartphones have no choice but to adapt to Google’s requirements, which focuses heavily on AI, a technology that is resource-intensive.
