Audi becomes the first automaker to launch Spotify’s fully native in-car app

Audi is the first automaker in the world to integrate Spotify’s full native app experience directly into the vehicle. Through its integration with Android Automotive OS, the new Spotify App operates 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. Beginning October 21, 2026, the native Spotify app will be exclusively available through the Audi Application Store for supported newer Audi models based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), and Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. This currently applies to the Audi A6 e-tron and Audi Q6 e-tron as well as to the Audi A5, Audi Q5 and Audi A6 from model year 2026.

Key facts about the new native Spotify app

• Audi is the first automaker to offer Spotify’s fully native app directly in the vehicle
• Audi, Cariad and Spotify collaborated closely to optimize the app’s integration with Android Automotive OS
• The app runs directly through the vehicle’s infotainment system without requiring smartphone tethering
• Available features include for the first time music videos and real-time lyrics as well as Spotify Jam and Spotify DJ
• When the vehicle is parked, 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 Audi models built on the PPE and PPC architecture from the model year 2026 onwards – initially exclusively via the Audi Application Store

Audi Application Store brings digital services into the vehicle
Audi continues to expand its digital services to make its vehicles a more seamless part of customers’ everyday lives. The Audi Application Store serves as a central platform for bringing third-party apps directly to the vehicle. Depending on the model, equipment, and software configuration, compatible apps are integrated into the infotainment system and can use the vehicle’s available controls and displays.

The launch of Spotify as a fully native in-car app demonstrates the potential of this approach: Unlike template-based apps, which use standardized layouts and controls, the native Spotify app offers a more comprehensive interface and broader range of supported content. Designed for Android Automotive OS, the app combines familiar menus and navigation patterns from devices such as smartphones, with an interface optimized for in-vehicle use and adapted specifically for multi-screen displays.

Designed for in-vehicle use with features that help minimize driver distraction
At launch, the native Spotify app will offer features that automatically adjust according to whether the vehicle is being driven or is parked. In appropriately equipped vehicles, features such as real-time lyrics and music video remain available on the front passenger display while the vehicle is in motion. When the vehicle is parked, these features are also available on the main center MMI display. Via Spotify Jam passengers can join a shared listening session via QR code and add songs to the shared queue.

Native Spotify app available for Audi models based on the PPE and PPC platforms
Spotify serves more than 777 million users worldwide and is the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service. Audi will initially offer Spotify’s new native app for all new PPE and PPC models. Eligible vehicles include the Audi A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron, as well as the Audi A5, Q5, and A6 from the model year 2026 onwards. The app will also be available for the Audi Q7 and Q9 beginning at their respective market launches.