Google has confirmed it’s shutting down the standalone “Android Auto for Phone Screens” app with Android 12. Instead, anybody who desires a driving-friendly interface for his or her Android cellphone ought to use the Google Assistant driving mode, which is accessible inside Google Maps, or the native Android Auto interface accessible in choose vehicles.

“For those who use the on phone experience (Android Auto mobile app), they will be transitioned to Google Assistant driving mode,” Google stated in an announcement. “Starting with Android 12, Google Assistant driving mode will be the built-in mobile driving experience. We have no further details to share at this time.” Google says that the expertise isn’t altering for anybody utilizing Android Auto in suitable vehicles.

Google’s affirmation got here after XDA Developers reported that some customers had been seeing a message within the Android Auto for Phone Screens app that stated the service is “now only available for car screens” and pointed cellphone customers in the direction of Google Assistant driving mode as a alternative. Meanwhile, 9to5Google reports that the Android Auto for Phone Screens app now says it’s incompatible with Pixel units working Android 12.

Android Auto’s app historical past is just a little bit messy, however this can be a transfer that’s been a very long time coming. The saga began in 2019, when Google determined to build most of Android Auto’s features into Android 10 as a system stage function, and discontinue the beforehand downloadable app. That’s advantageous for anybody with an Android Auto-compatible automobile, however anybody with an older car would have misplaced entry to the driving-friendly interface accessible instantly on their cellphone. Bad occasions.

Google’s plan for these customers was a brand new Google Assistant driving mode, however this software program was delayed, and regardless of being introduced in 2019, it solely began rolling out late final yr (it’s subsequently expanded internationally). That meant Google successfully wanted a stopgap measure, and the clunkily named Android Auto for Phone Screens app was born. The Verge’s Dieter Bohn did an amazing rundown of the state of affairs in 2019 if you wish to study extra.