In a move to transform the smart car market, Volvo Cars and Alphabet's Google have announced a major development to their collaboration: Volvo is now the primary development partner for Android Automotive.

The more integrated collaboration will see Volvo become the first-ever car manufacturer to introduce the latest Android 15 update to its vehicles, enabling its owners to enjoy the best software updates years before other car manufacturers.

The new Volvo EX90 electric SUV, which debuted at Google I/O 2025, is the first production car to natively boot on Android 15. That's right — when everybody else is still on Android 12 or 13, Volvo Android 15 update is already available in the wild to be rolled out.

“We will be in a position to respond fast in bringing new capabilities, new features, and new experiences to our customers," Volvo global software engineering head Alwin Bakkenes told Reuters in an interview. "This actually gives us an early advantage in creating great customer experiences."

Why It Matters

Overall, the auto industry has lagged two full Android updates behind smartphones. That is, drivers have not been able to access the same smart features in their cars that they adore on their phones. This partnership aims to bridge that gap—and fast.

Through its role as a lead development partner, Volvo has a front-row seat to Google software innovation. More importantly, Google engineers will now validate new Android features in Volvo vehicles for real-time feedback and performance insights in actual driving scenarios.

"They will take the car, see how their product performs in real-world conditions—much sooner and much quicker," Bakkenes said.

Gemini AI Takes to the Highway

Another major overhaul was announced at the Google I/O conference: Google's Gemini AI model will be integrated into Volvo cars soon. For the drivers, it will mean no more messing with touchscreens or scrolling through long lists of contacts to enter destinations.

Rather, you can say things such as:

"Hey Gemini, locate my dentist appointment in my mail and take me there," or “Create a shopping list for those ingredients from that dinner recipe my sister shared with me.”

Volvo's purpose, says Bakkenes, is a "human-centric experience" — one where technology enhances your experience without taking away from it.

Android 15 Takes the Road First with Volvo

The Volvo Android 15 update will be offered in the EX90 SUV later this year, with other models to follow. That would put Volvo owners in the position of potentially having two years more advanced software than the competition — a huge advantage in the connected car market.

While other firms will only be able to release Android 15 in 2027, Volvo drivers will already be enjoying it by the end of 2025.

This is not about listening to music or using maps. Android 15 will improve everything from voice control to personalized infotainment systems, making driving smarter and safer.

Final Thoughts

This move makes Volvo a clear technology pioneer in the automotive industry. By being in a position to access Google's sophisticated software — and artificial intelligence — before anyone else, the Swedish car maker is setting the standard for what drivers can expect from cars these days.

If you are looking to buy a technology-facilitated electric car, look out for the EX90, and the word in your head should be: Volvo Android 15 update.