Foldable Phone Users Report Call Drops When Using Android Auto, Suspected Link to Gemini

Owners of foldable Android smartphones have begun reporting that voice calls are being interrupted or dropped when the devices are connected to Android Auto, a problem that appears to be tied to the recently introduced Gemini software layer.

According to a report from Engadget, the issue surfaces primarily when drivers attempt to make or receive calls through the vehicle’s infotainment system while the phone is in its folded configuration. Users describe hearing fragmented audio or experiencing a complete loss of the call, forcing them to revert to the handset’s native dialer. The glitch does not seem to affect standard smartphones, suggesting a compatibility challenge unique to the foldable form factor.

Gemini, a component of Google’s latest Android platform that integrates AI-driven features and system optimizations, is suspected of causing the malfunction. While Google has not provided an official diagnosis, the timing of the problem aligns with the rollout of Gemini updates to the Android operating system, prompting speculation that new code pathways may be mishandling the transition between the phone’s screen states and the Android Auto interface.

Android Auto, which mirrors a phone’s navigation, messaging, and call functions onto a car’s dashboard, relies on seamless communication between the device and the vehicle’s head unit. Foldable phones, with their dual-screen designs and dynamic hinge mechanisms, already present a more complex integration scenario. Historically, developers have needed to account for screen orientation changes and hardware sensors, and the addition of Gemini’s deeper system integration may have introduced unforeseen conflicts.

As of now, Google has not issued a formal statement regarding the problem, and there are no confirmed timelines for a software patch. In the meantime, affected users are advised to keep their devices in an unfolded state while using Android Auto or to temporarily disable the Gemini feature if possible. The situation underscores the broader challenges of aligning emerging hardware formats with evolving software ecosystems, and it is likely to be a focal point for upcoming Android updates and manufacturer testing cycles.