04:37 23-01-2026

Volvo's major OTA update with AI-powered Gemini for global vehicles

Volvo is preparing to roll out one of its largest over-the-air (OTA) updates for its vehicles. Later in 2026, the company will remotely install the new Volvo Car UX multimedia interface on 2.5 million cars worldwide.

The update will go to all Volvos equipped with the Android Automotive operating system, which debuted in 2020 on the XC40 Recharge (now called the EX40). After installation, owners of cars built after 2020 will get nearly the same user interface and functionality as the new EX30, EX90, and the recently unveiled EX60.

A key change will be replacing the previous built-in Google voice assistant with the AI-powered Google Gemini system. According to Volvo's technical director Anders Bell, the update is in the final testing phase and should launch in the coming months. He called it one of the largest OTA updates in history.

Volvo notes that the new features will work within the limitations of older hardware—such as less powerful processors and smaller screens—which may cause minor differences. However, updated cars will gain a conversational interaction format: Gemini will better understand requests, assist with composing messages, translation, searching the car's manual, and clarifying destination details. The company emphasizes this should reduce driver cognitive load and minimize distractions.