Xpeng Cars Will Get Native Google Play Apps in 2027

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng has expanded its partnership with Google to bring the native Google Play store to its vehicles starting in early 2027. Announced on 20 October 2026, the integration enables drivers and passengers to download and run standalone applications directly on the in-vehicle infotainment system without tethering a smartphone. The deployment builds upon Xpeng's adoption of Google Maps' Automotive SDK in July 2026 and covers over 100 countries and regions. In Malaysia, where distributor Bermaz Xpeng sells the locally assembled G6 electric SUV starting at RM159,948 and the X9 electric MPV from RM279,888, the upgrade promises untethered app access, though specific model rollouts remain unconfirmed.

Key Facts

How Does Native Google Play Differ From Android Auto?

Native Google Play operates directly within the vehicle's Android Automotive OS, allowing independent app downloads and execution on the car's hardware. Unlike Android Auto, which merely mirrors applications running off a connected mobile phone, the embedded system operates autonomously without requiring an active smartphone connection or tethered cable.

The native setup links into Xpeng's multilingual artificial intelligence voice assistant, giving cabin occupants hands-free voice control over installed third-party apps. A crucial technical benefit is software maintenance: third-party software developers will be able to distribute individual app patches and feature updates directly through the Google Play storefront, bypassing the need for Xpeng to issue full-vehicle over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.

Native Google Play integration enables Xpeng vehicles to download and update standalone Android Automotive OS applications directly without tethering a mobile phone.

Which Vehicles and Regions Will Receive the Update First?

Xpeng has not yet announced the initial vehicle models or specific geographical markets scheduled to receive the Google Play storefront in early 2027. While the integration is engineered to support hundreds of applications across more than 100 countries and regions, local catalogue availability will depend heavily on individual market regulations and hardware compatibility.

The automaker noted that app catalogues will vary based on specific vehicle configurations and relevant automotive safety compliance frameworks. While global plans are set for early 2027, Xpeng has not confirmed whether the service will arrive via retroactive software upgrades for existing production vehicles or debut exclusively on future model releases.

Xpeng has not confirmed the initial vehicle models or launch markets that will gain access to the Google Play rollout in early 2027.

What It Means for Malaysian Buyers

Malaysian owners and prospective buyers of the Xpeng G6 and X9 cannot yet confirm whether their vehicles will support the Google Play store. While both models are sold officially through Bermaz Xpeng and assembled locally at EPMB's Melaka facility, Xpeng has not indicated whether existing CKD units will receive an over-the-air upgrade in early 2027.

At present, local showroom pricing remains anchored at RM159,948 for the base G6 Standard Range (scaling to roughly RM189,888 for the Performance AWD) and RM279,888 for the flagship X9 MPV (exceeding RM313,888 for extended-range trims). Buyers prioritising native Google ecosystem features over smartphone mirroring via Android Auto should note that deployment is scheduled for early 2027 at the earliest, with vehicle-level compatibility still unverified by Bermaz Xpeng.

Bermaz Xpeng has yet to confirm whether existing locally assembled G6 and X9 models in Malaysia will be eligible for the 2027 Google Play software rollout.

Common Questions

When will Xpeng cars get Google Play apps?

Xpeng plans to begin deploying Google Play to its vehicles in early 2027. The automaker has not yet specified exact delivery dates, initial regional rollout phases, or which specific vehicle models will receive the feature first.

Do Xpeng drivers need a smartphone to use these apps?

No, a connected phone is not required. Because the system runs on native Android Automotive OS, applications are downloaded, stored, and run directly on the car's built-in infotainment hardware rather than being mirrored from a smartphone.

Are current Malaysian Xpeng G6 and X9 models getting the update?

It remains unconfirmed whether current Malaysian units will receive the feature. While Bermaz Xpeng distributes both locally assembled models, Xpeng has not stated whether the 2027 rollout applies retroactively to existing vehicles or exclusively to future models.

Sources and Methodology

Information in this report is sourced directly from announcements published by Xpeng and reported by Lowyat.NET on 20 October 2026 regarding the automaker's expanded Google partnership and local Malaysian retail pricing for the G6 and X9 lineups. Malaysian Ringgit (RM) prices reflect official on-the-road pricing without insurance as stated in the source text; no foreign currency conversions or speculative dates were applied.