Google meet rolls out to carplay—android auto users left waiting

Google’s video conferencing app, Google Meet, has finally made its debut on Apple CarPlay, offering iPhone users a convenient hands-free solution for joining meetings while driving. The rollout, which began March 23rd, promises a streamlined experience—but the lack of a comparable offering for Android Auto users raises a significant question: is Google prioritizing CarPlay over its own platform?

Audio-only access, for now

The initial implementation is decidedly minimalist. Upon connecting an iPhone to a CarPlay-enabled vehicle, the Google Meet app surfaces on the car’s display. Users can view upcoming meetings and join calls with a single tap, but the experience is limited to audio. Google has deliberately omitted video functionality, citing safety concerns and a desire to keep the interface uncluttered. A mute button and a leave button are the only controls on offer; for a full video meeting experience, drivers are advised to pull over and switch to their phones.

This isn't a revolutionary change, of course. Zoom has already enjoyed CarPlay integration for some time, putting Meet in a position of catch-up. However, the disparity with Android Auto is what’s truly noteworthy.

Android auto: the forgotten platform?

Google’s response to the omission is frustratingly vague. While the company assures us a version of Meet for Android Auto is “coming soon,” there’s no timeline, no beta program, and virtually no further insight into the development process. This begs the question: how seriously is Google taking Android Auto in the face of CarPlay’s burgeoning app ecosystem?

For the millions of professionals who rely on Google Meet daily, the CarPlay integration is undoubtedly a welcome addition. The ability to seamlessly join meetings while commuting, particularly with the app’s calendar integration, eliminates the need to fumble with a phone. But the omission for Android users creates a two-tiered experience and reinforces the perception that Google’s own automotive platform is treated as an afterthought. The gap in app availability between CarPlay and Android Auto is widening, and this move only exacerbates the problem.

The feature is now live for Google Workspace customers, individual subscribers, and those with personal Google accounts using CarPlay. Android Auto users can only hope that “soon” translates to tangible progress, and not just another empty promise.