As the vital bridge connecting in-vehicle systems with the Android ecosystem, Android Auto's certification framework directly determines the compatibility, performance stability, and user experience of connected devices. To further optimize certification efficiency and enhance product quality, Google is driving a full transition from Android Auto Certification 1.0 to 2.0, with January 9, 2026, designated as the official cutoff date for the 1.0 certification phase.
1. Key transition points: time and rule changes that cannot be ignored
Google has clearly defined January 9, 2026 as the termination node of certification 1.0, and will fully switch to 2.0 system after that. During the transition phase, we need to focus on four key rules:
1）Termination and invalidation of the certification 1.0
Starting from January 9, 2026, certification 1.0 will be officially discontinued. Uncompleted 1.0 projects need to be resubmitted according to the 2.0 process. Meanwhile, the existing exemption policies for certification 1.0 (such as partial test item exemptions) will be invalid simultaneously. Partners need to check projects that rely on exemptions in advance to avoid certification delays.
2）Test results cannot be transferred across versions
There are essential differences in the test logic between certification 1.0 and 2.0. The test results of the 1.0 project cannot be transferred to the 2.0 project: partners cannot cite the test results of the 1.0 as the basis for the 2.0 certification, even if the same host device is upgraded to the 2.0 certification version, the 2.0 test needs to be completed again.
3） Enhanced policy on compliance exceptions: a never-expiring application mechanism
Unlike the temporary exemption for 1.0, certification 2.0 introduces "an indefinite compliance exception application": new compliance exception applications apply to all projects from 2026 onwards without repeated review; and the review process has been simplified to speed up the approval of exception applications.
2. Authentication 2.0: A comprehensive revolution from "boring" to "efficient"
Compared with the characteristics of certification 1.0, which is "manual, long cycle and low efficiency", certification 2.0 aims at "streamlining process, improving quality and optimizing experience" and achieves six core improvements:
1） Standardized testing: Focus on incremental, reduce duplicate authentication 2.0 introduces a new platform authentication process, optimize the test scope through the "project grouping" mechanism
2） Advance delivery of SSL certificates: Accelerate the development pace, break the limitation of "develop first, get certificate later" in 1.0, and realize seamless connection between development and authentication.
3） Simplify forms and report templates, eliminate duplicate information, and make the content more focused on core requirements.
4）Expedited review and optimization of compliance exceptions
Review process: faster review cycle by reducing barriers and cross-departmental dependencies;
Compliance exception: Standardized exception approval (CER) will be introduced for all future projects without re-audit to further improve process efficiency.
In the future, with the deepening of vehicle intelligence, Android Auto authentication system will continue to iterate, and partners need to keep up with the pace of upgrading. With the opportunity of authentication 2.0, we will build a more efficient product implementation process and provide users with more reliable Android experience in car.
If you want to know more about Android Auto certification, please feel free to contact Zhongle Certification. We have a professional team to provide you with detailed consultation and certification services!
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