Google is rolling out Android Auto 18.1 to stable users. The update follows the release of version 18.0 in mid-October and its arrival on the beta track in late October. So far, no changes visible to users have been identified.
A review of the update’s code suggests Google is continuing to prepare Android Auto’s redesign and light mode. The release includes light- and dark-mode assets associated with Samsung devices, which may also be used on other phones. These assets could support Quick Settings tiles in the redesigned interface, potentially with Samsung-specific icons or styling.
The update also includes references to “Cielo,” the apparent codename for Android Auto’s widget-filled redesign. They point to work on map scaling and animations for dashboard transitions, including slide-in and slide-out effects.
Google has not indicated when the Cielo redesign will launch. The code references show that work on it is continuing, but do not confirm when or whether the features will reach users.
Sources: 9to5Google.