Lucid Motors has added Android Auto in a new software update released this Monday in the Middle East, six months after it became available in the United States and Europe.
With a new video posted on X, the company’s Middle East-dedicated account said that “Android Auto is now available through the new Lucid Air update.”
The system allows drivers to access their Android smartphone’s maps, media, and messaging apps either via USB or wirelessly in their vehicles.
Android Auto in the US and Europe
Lucid began rolling out the Android Auto feature to all its Air vehicles in the United States and Europe in mid-June — nearly a year after first announcing the integration.
The EV maker’s Head of Software Engineering Jean-Philippe Gauthier noted that Android Auto, available with version 2.7.0 of the operating system, was “one of the most requested features by Lucid owners.”
Its integration with the Air sedan was first mentioned by the brand’s Head of Global Communications Nick Twork in June 2024.
By then, Twork said that it would be added to the Air sedan “this Fall,” however the launch was delayed by half a year.
Google requires automakers’ digital platforms to go through a strict certification process that usually takes at least six months, which can take longer for newer systems.
In April, Gauthier stated that the Android Auto feature for the Gravity model was expected to arrive around September 2025.
However, as of December, the system has not yet been made available in Lucid’s second model.
Software Updates in the Middle East
Two months ago, Reddit user ‘PoundGlobal8111’ wrote on Lucid‘s main subreddit that the company’s software update rollout schedule in the Middle East is delayed in comparison to the US and Europe.
“I got my Lucid about a month ago and have been very happy with it,” the user begins, then adding that “one thing that has been annoying me is seeing all those updates rollout and we’re still stuck at 2.7.1 for some reason.”
According to the user, it is “super disappointing especially with how good those missed updates are,” concluding that Lucid should pay “more attention to this market as it really is disappointing.”
User ‘KwanTeWu,’ an owner based in the UAE, replied to the post stating that they have received the 2.7.1 update.
“Not sure where you are located, but UAE hands free is illegal, so I imagine that’s why 2.8 is stuck,” they added, noting that upon talking to a “Lucid tech” he thought the same.
The 2.8 update series, released for the Lucid Air in late July, introduced enhancements to the assisted driving software DreamDrive Pro, including hands-free driving and lane change.
On December 8, the EV maker began rolling out version 2.8.17 of its sedan’s software.
According to the release notes, Lucid is “improving the robustness and general functionality of the vehicle,” signaling another regular update.
Apple CarPlay
Lucid has featured Apple’s CarPlay solution in its Air vehicles since 2023, pending integration in the Gravity SUV.
According to a recent review of the 2025 Lucid Air Touring by one of the largest automotive YouTube channels, owned by Jason Fenske, Apple CarPlay connectivity still faces some issues.
The system “frequently switches which phone it’s connected to, and which phone is connected to which profile.”
These issues required complete factory resets to resolve, “which takes about an hour to redo all of your settings,” according to the owner, and left CarPlay inoperable for three consecutive days.
