Volvo is preparing a major over-the-air software update that will bring the latest infotainment system to 2.5 million vehicles worldwide. The update, which will be rolled out later this year, will install the new Volvo Car UX – currently featured in the EX30, EX90, and EX60 models – into cars running the company’s Android Automotive operating system. This means that even 2020-era Volvos will gain the functionality and displays of the newest releases.
The Scale of the Update
This move is significant because it highlights the increasing potential of “connected” vehicles. Unlike traditional cars, modern, digitally-linked models can receive software upgrades remotely, extending their lifespan and keeping them current with new features for years after purchase.
Volvo’s chief technology officer, Anders Bell, described the update as “one of the biggest over-the-air updates in the history of the world.” While Tesla frequently performs large fleet-wide updates, Volvo’s global presence across more countries makes this rollout particularly substantial.
What Will Change?
The update will primarily affect the infotainment system, bringing the user experience in line with newer models. Though older vehicles may not fully match the latest hardware – due to differences in processing chips and screen sizes – they will receive a substantial upgrade to their in-car tech.
“We’re going to deploy that back to those cars to give them a necessary, very nice upgrade of the owner’s interaction experience with the car,” Anders Bell stated.
Future Updates: Gemini AI Assistant Integration
Volvo also plans to integrate Google’s Gemini AI assistant into the updated system, though a specific timeline for this has not yet been announced. This future upgrade would replace the current Google Assistant with a more advanced voice control interface.
The rollout demonstrates how car manufacturers are beginning to treat vehicles less like static products and more like continuously evolving software platforms. By delivering updates remotely, Volvo is effectively extending the utility and appeal of its older models, keeping them competitive in a rapidly changing market.
