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Unreleased Android Auto Build Shows Early Support for Work Accounts
By Drooid · · How we work
New Feature Detected in Android Auto 18.0.664204
A recent test build of Android Auto (version 18.0.664204) was found to include a “Work Account” toggle in the Quick Settings tile, according to a report by 9to5Google. When enabled, a briefcase icon appears over the app drawer, mirroring the behavior of Work Profiles on standard Android devices. The build is not publicly released and the feature is not yet fully functional, but its presence suggests Google is experimenting with corporate-oriented functionality for the platform.
How Android Work Accounts Operate
Android’s Work Account system separates personal and business data by creating distinct app instances. Users with a Work Profile see a briefcase icon indicating whether work-only apps are active; those apps run in isolated containers, preventing cross-access to personal data. This separation has been a core part of Android’s enterprise offering for years, but Android Auto has historically lacked any official support for such profiles.
Potential Benefits for Corporate Drivers
If Google finalizes the feature, drivers who spend work hours behind the wheel could access business-specific navigation, messaging, or productivity apps without exposing personal content. 9to5Google notes that the addition could address a gap in the current Android Auto experience, where corporate users are unable to leverage work-only applications while driving.
Current Status and Outlook
The test version remains incomplete, and Google has not announced a timeline for official rollout. The appearance of the Work Account toggle in the unreleased build is the only concrete indication that the company is evaluating the capability. As of now, Android Auto continues to lack formal support for Work Profiles, and it is unclear when—or if—the feature will become part of the stable release.