Google is expanding Android Automotive OS (AAOS) beyond infotainment with AAOS SDV, a platform designed for software-defined vehicles. Built on a headless Android native stack, it powers vehicle controllers across Core Compute, Body Controls, and Cluster domains. Key features include a topology-agnostic service-oriented architecture, granular OTA updates, a standard signal catalog, virtual cloud development support via Android Virtual Device (Cuttlefish), and a Display Safety framework for instrument clusters. The platform supports both hypervisor-backed virtualization and bare-metal deployment. Renault is using it for the upcoming Trafic e-Tech (production late 2026), and Qualcomm is integrating it with Snapdragon Digital Chassis. AAOS SDV will be released to AOSP later in 2026.
