Audi becomes the first automaker to launch Spotify's fully native in-car app
Audi is the first automaker worldwide to run Spotify's full native app directly in the car, with no smartphone required.
- 777 million
- 47
- October 21, 2026
- 2026
What Happened
Audi says it is the first automaker in the world to integrate Spotify's full native app experience directly into the vehicle. Through integration with Android Automotive OS, the new Spotify App runs directly through the vehicle's infotainment system without requiring a connected smartphone. Features including music videos, real-time lyrics and Spotify Jam automatically adjust based on whether the vehicle is being driven or is parked. Audi collaborated closely with Cariad and Spotify to optimize the app's integration with Android Automotive OS.
- Audi is the first automaker to offer Spotify's fully native app directly in the vehicle
- Available features include, for the first time, music videos and real-time lyrics, plus Spotify Jam and Spotify DJ
- The app runs through the vehicle's infotainment system without smartphone tethering
- When the vehicle is parked, the full feature set and expanded browsing become available on the center MMI display
- On equipped vehicles, supported features remain available on the front passenger display while the vehicle is in motion
- Available beginning October 21 for supported PPE and PPC models from model year 2026 onwards, initially exclusively via the Audi Application Store
- Sign-in and settings are unavailable, music videos and real-time lyrics are hidden, and related controls are removed from the Now Playing View; Hey Audi voice control and Spotify DJ still work
- On appropriately equipped vehicles, features such as real-time lyrics and video remain available for passengers
- Full feature set and expanded browsing available on the center MMI display; passengers can join a shared listening session via QR code and add songs to the queue with Spotify Jam
The Audi Application Store is the central platform for bringing third-party apps directly into the vehicle; depending on model, equipment and software configuration, compatible apps are integrated into the infotainment system and can use the vehicle's available controls and displays. Audi points to the Spotify launch as proof of the approach: unlike template-based apps, which use standardized layouts and controls, the native Spotify app offers a more comprehensive interface and a broader range of supported content. Designed for Android Automotive OS, it combines familiar Spotify menus and navigation patterns from devices such as smartphones with an interface optimized for in-vehicle use. That interface is adapted specifically for better driver safety and for multi-screen displays.
- Audi A6 e-tron and Audi Q6 e-tron, built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE)
- Audi A5, Audi Q5 and Audi A6 from model year 2026, built on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC)
- Audi Q7 and Audi Q9 beginning at their respective market launches
The native Spotify app will launch in 47 Audi markets worldwide, spanning Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa and Australia. It can be downloaded from the Audi Application Store free of cost, though a Spotify account is required and costs depend on the applicable market and selected Spotify tariff. Audi notes that Spotify serves more than 777 million users worldwide and is the world's most popular audio streaming subscription service. The app will be offered initially for all new PPE and PPC models.
Why this matters
The launch shows how automakers are turning the car's own infotainment system into an app platform rather than a mirror for a phone. Drivers and passengers in supported Audi models get Spotify features built for the vehicle, with some functions limited while driving to reduce distraction. It also signals closer ties between carmakers, software partners and streaming services.
Terms in This Story
- Android Automotive OS
- A version of Google's Android operating system built to run directly on a car's infotainment hardware rather than on a phone.
- Native app
- An application written specifically for a platform, so it can use that platform's full interface and features instead of a standardized template.
- Premium Platform Electric (PPE)
- Audi's dedicated electric-vehicle platform, shared across several battery-electric models.
- MMI display
- The central multimedia interface screen in an Audi through which infotainment functions are controlled.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.