I’ve sacrificed too many charging cables to my car’s USB port (even the braided ones). All so my playlist could follow me down the road.
Spotify just launched a fully native car app that runs on the car’s infotainment system, with no phone or cable required. However, it’s only available for Audi owners right now.
What makes this app native in an Audi?
For those catching up, Audi’s dashboard runs Android Automotive OS, a full-fledged operating system for in-car screens.
Unlike Android Auto, which projects compatible apps from your smartphone onto your car’s screen, the new Spotify app, co-developed with Audi and Cariad, runs directly on Android Automotive OS.
This lets Spotify build a richer, custom interface instead of relying on Google’s standardized templates. Given that Spotify says listeners clock more than 3 billion hours a month in their cars, I see the appeal (via Spotify).
The new app is free to download from Audi’s Application Store. However, you need a Spotify account to use it; it supports both Free and Premium listeners. It’s available across 47 markets for 2026 and newer models: the Q6 e-tron, A6 e-tron, Q5, A5, and A6 (via Audi). Q7 and Q9 follow, with more automakers expected to join next year.
What can it do while you drive or park?
You sign in once by scanning a QR code with your phone or entering a pairing code, and that’s it. Only after you start using it will you notice the subtle yet important differences. For instance, music resumes exactly where you left off each time you start the car. You don’t need to keep your phone connected for playback.
When parked or charging, the main display lets you play video podcasts and music videos (with synced lyrics). While driving, videos and lyrics disappear from the central display, but “Hey Audi” voice commands and Spotify’s AI DJ keep working.
Where fitted, a front passenger display can continue showing videos and lyrics. Passengers can also join a Spotify Jam by scanning a QR code. Spotify says half of all Jams already happen in cars.
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