Summary
Spotify’s native car app launched across Audi models on 21 October 2026 and runs on the car’s infotainment system, with no cable, Bluetooth or paired phone needed for playback, Spotify said in a press release. The app is installed or updated from the Audi Application Store on the car’s infotainment system, and works for listeners on Free and Premium accounts. The first cars are the electric A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron, as well as the A5, Q5 and A6. Spotify said the Q7 and Q9 will follow at their market launch. For Audi owners, the practical change is that the phone drops out of the playback chain. Spotify said in-car audio had until the launch been shaped by phone projection. The new app was built for the in-car environment and sits on the car’s own screens, sound system and voice controls, the company said. A driver signs in once by scanning a QR code on the car’s display with a phone, or by visiting spotify.com/pair and entering the code shown. After that, playback is ready when the car starts. The phone does not need to be paired or tethered to the car, although Spotify said an Audi connect package may be required. Jonathan Tarlton, automotive business development lead at Spotify, said: “Drivers get instant, hands-free access the moment they sit down, while passengers get a front-row seat to watch videos, follow lyrics, and add to the queue together.” What changes when the car stops While the car is moving, the centre display restricts video and lyrics, and the app gives priority to voice controls and simplified navigation. Spotify said the restriction is meant to keep the driver focused on the road. When parked, including while an electric model is charging, the main display can show full-screen video podcasts, music videos and real-time lyrics. Voice commands go through the car’s “Hey Audi” system or directly to Spotify’s DJ. On supported cars, front passengers get dedicated secondary displays to browse, view lyrics and watch video. They can also scan an on-screen QR code to join a Spotify Jam and add songs to a shared queue from their own phones. Audi goes first Audi is the first carmaker to launch the native app, according to Spotify. The company said it plans to expand the app to other automotive partners around the world over the coming year. Availability of the app may vary by vehicle and market, Spotify said. Sources: