I'm attempting to upload a new version of our app that supports android Auto to the beta track on the Play Console, but the Play Store is rejecting the bundle with error:
Forbidden
Problem:
APKs and Android App Bundles must not require following features: android.hardware.type.automotive.
However, it is an optional feature for the app and states as such in the manifest:
<uses-feature android:name="android.hardware.type.automotive" android:required="false" />
I have looked through the latest samples and documentation for any changes that may be causing this, but I have found nothing. I have also checked using the merged manifest comparison tool that the value is not being overwritten during build.
Any ideas or hints?
I'm answering my own question for anyone who might run into this.
May seem obvious, but my fix for the error was to simply remove the uses-feature element for automotive from my manifest.
I never found exact clarification, but I can only assume Play Store is now rejecting the android.hardware.type.automotive feature as its been repurposed for Automotive OS.
Documentation at https://developer.android.com/training/cars/media/auto no longer mentions adding the feature to manifest for supporting Android Auto, but it does mention it is required for Automotive OS (in addition to a separate module / build), but my app only support Android Auto at this time.
This was confusing because documentation for the automotive feature elsewhere (https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/manifest/uses-feature-element) does not mention this change.