Volvo brings Apple Music natively to over two million vehicles with Spatial Audio support
Apple Music is now built directly into millions of Volvo vehicles, giving drivers easier access to their music.
Apple Music is continuing its expansion beyond smartphones, with Volvo becoming the latest car manufacturer to integrate the streaming service directly into its vehicles. The update brings easier access to music for drivers while highlighting the growing role connected cars are playing in how people discover and enjoy streaming music.
Apple Music rolls out across Volvo’s connected car lineup
Apple Music is now available as a native app in more than two million Volvo vehicles, allowing drivers to stream music directly through their car’s infotainment system without relying on Apple CarPlay or a connected iPhone.
As Digital Music News reports, the over-the-air software update is already rolling out to compatible vehicles, covering 11 Volvo models released from 2020 onwards. These include the EX90, ES90, XC90, XC60, XC40, EX40, EC40, S90, S60, V90 and V60.
The upcoming EX60 will also include Apple Music natively from launch, continuing Volvo’s push towards built-in entertainment experiences.
This follows Apple’s growing expansion into connected vehicles. Earlier this year, we covered how Apple Music became available natively in select General Motors vehicles, bringing built-in streaming and Dolby Atmos support to Cadillac models. As more manufacturers move away from smartphone mirroring, native music apps are quickly becoming the new standard for in-car listening.
Spatial Audio arrives in select Volvo models
Drivers of the Volvo EX90, ES90 and upcoming EX60 equipped with the optional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system will also gain access to Apple Music’s Spatial Audio catalogue.
Volvo’s Head of Global Software Engineering, Alwin Bakkenes, described Spatial Audio as “a truly emotional listening experience”, adding that listeners can feel “as if you’re right in the middle of a concert hall or an arena during your favourite live performance.”
Volvo is also offering new Apple Music subscribers a three-month free trial through the Volvo Cars app, while existing subscribers can sign in with their current account and transfer their playlists into Apple Music.
Why it matters for artists
Apple Music’s continued expansion into connected vehicles reflects a broader shift in how people access streaming services. Rather than relying on smartphones, listeners are increasingly able to open their favourite apps directly from the devices they use every day.
For artists, wider availability across these listening environments helps keep music accessible wherever fans choose to listen. As more manufacturers adopt native streaming apps, in-car listening is becoming another touchpoint in the growing connected music ecosystem.