Google has plans to halt support for older Android versions in the Android Auto feature. An inspection of the code strings in the latest version of Android Auto reveals an indication that Android Oreo will become the bare minimum Operating System requirement. This development will trigger warnings to users through their car's infotainment display screen.

To maintain the usability of Android Auto, it is necessary for users to update their smartphone to a minimum of Android Oreo, or they may have to consider acquiring a new phone if updates for their current device cease being provided.

In an attempt to constantly update its applications and services with new and progressive features, Google often discontinues support for older devices or at least devices featuring older versions of the OS. Recently, Google discontinued support for the Chrome web browser from Android Nougat and earlier, declaring Chrome 120 the last version available for these devices.

Following the same strategy, Google seems to have plans to discontinue Android Auto support for certain older Android operating systems. This information was revealed in the most recent APK Insight report by 9to5Google, stating that code strings in the newest version of Android Auto suggest the discontinuation of support.

The report infers that the new Android Auto version introduces code strings pointing towards the necessity of Android Oreo as a basic OS requirement for Android Auto. It has been indicated that the car's infotainment screen will display these warning messages. However, Google is yet to roll out this feature.

On a final note, the simplest solution to this would be to procure a smartphone with a minimum OS of Android Oreo or newer. This can either be achieved by upgrading to the latest Android version if available, or investing in a new device if the current one's update cycle has ended.

It's worthwhile to note that Google's messages urging users to install system updates or , seems unconventional, especially considering the probability that users who still operate on Android Nougat in 2023, are most likely due so, because there are no updates available for their device post-installation overture.