Spotify has partnered with Audi to launch a new in-car music streaming experience, allowing drivers to listen to their favourite songs, podcasts and playlists without connecting their smartphones.

Launched on 21 October 2026, the new Spotify Audi app runs directly through the car’s infotainment system, offering an alternative to traditional connections such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth.

The integration also introduces several popular Spotify features to the dashboard, including music videos, real-time lyrics, Spotify DJ and collaborative listening through Spotify Jam.

Initially available in selected Audi vehicles, the new app could signal a significant change in how drivers and passengers enjoy music on the road.

What Is the New Spotify Audi App?

The new Spotify app has been designed specifically for Audi’s infotainment system, using Google’s Android Automotive operating system.

Unlike Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which typically rely on a connected smartphone, Android Automotive runs directly on the vehicle’s built-in hardware.

This means Audi drivers can access Spotify without plugging in their phone or connecting it via Bluetooth.

Once signed in, the app can automatically resume music playback when the vehicle starts, making it easier to continue listening to favourite playlists, albums and podcasts.

Spotify has also developed a custom interface designed around the driving experience, allowing the app to work more closely with Audi’s displays, sound system and voice controls.

What Features Does Spotify’s New Audi App Include?

The partnership introduces several features designed to make listening to music in the car more convenient and interactive.

Listen to Spotify Without Connecting Your Phone

Perhaps the biggest change is the ability to access Spotify directly through the vehicle.

Drivers no longer need to connect their phones through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or Bluetooth to start streaming music.

After the initial account setup, Spotify can be accessed directly from the infotainment display, with playback ready when the vehicle starts.

This could be particularly useful for drivers who frequently forget to connect their phones or prefer using their car’s built-in controls.

Spotify Jam Lets Passengers Choose the Music

Spotify Jam is one of the most interesting additions to the new Audi experience.

The collaborative listening feature allows passengers to contribute songs to a shared playback queue.

Passengers can scan a QR code displayed on the infotainment screen using their smartphones, join the listening session and add their favourite tracks.

It effectively turns the car into a shared music experience, allowing friends and family to build a playlist together during a road trip.

Instead of one person controlling the music throughout the journey, everyone can have a say in what plays next.

Music Videos and Real-Time Lyrics

The new integration also brings Spotify’s music videos and real-time lyrics to compatible Audi displays.

However, these features are restricted on the driver’s main screen while the vehicle is moving.

When the car is parked, drivers and passengers can access music videos, video podcasts and lyrics directly through the central infotainment display.

This could be particularly appealing to electric vehicle owners who spend time waiting at charging stations.

Certain Audi vehicles also feature dedicated passenger displays, allowing front-seat passengers to access supported video and lyrics features while the vehicle is moving without distracting the driver.

Spotify DJ and Hands-Free Voice Controls

Drivers can control music playback using Audi’s existing voice assistant.

Using the phrase “Hey Audi”, drivers can manage Spotify without navigating through menus on the touchscreen.

Spotify DJ is also supported, providing personalised music selections and recommendations.

The combination of voice controls and personalised recommendations is designed to make music discovery easier without taking attention away from driving.

Which Audi Cars Support the New Spotify App?

The new Spotify integration is initially available across selected Audi vehicles built on the company’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) and Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architectures.

Supported models include the Audi A6 e-tron, Q6 e-tron, A5, Q5 and A6, covering eligible vehicles from the 2026 model year onwards.

Audi has also confirmed that its upcoming Q7 and Q9 SUVs will support the app when they launch.

Availability depends on the specific vehicle, equipment, software configuration and country.

The new app is launching across 47 Audi markets worldwide, including markets in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia.

How to Install Spotify in Your Audi

Drivers with compatible vehicles can install the new Spotify app directly through the Audi Application Store.

Getting started is straightforward:

1. Open the Audi Application Store through your vehicle’s infotainment system.
2. Find Spotify and install the app, or update an existing installation.
3. Open Spotify on the vehicle’s display.
4. Scan the QR code using your smartphone, or visit spotify.com/pair and enter the displayed code.
5. Once signed in, start listening to your favourite music, playlists and podcasts.

Although a smartphone or another device is useful for the initial login process, it does not need to remain connected to the car for music playback.

Is Spotify Free in Audi Cars?

The new Spotify app is available to both Spotify Free and Spotify Premium users.

The app itself can be downloaded from the Audi Application Store without an additional app purchase.

However, users still need a Spotify account, and their listening experience will depend on their existing subscription.

Audi also notes that an eligible Audi connect package may be required, depending on the vehicle and market.

Does the New Spotify App Replace Apple CarPlay?

The introduction of Spotify’s native Audi app does not mean that Spotify is abandoning Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Instead, it gives listeners another way to access the streaming service.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will continue to provide familiar smartphone-based experiences, while the new Audi integration allows Spotify to operate independently through the car’s built-in system.

This distinction is important because Spotify can now design more of the listening experience around the vehicle itself rather than relying on the limitations of a smartphone projection interface.

For drivers who already enjoy using Apple CarPlay, there is no immediate need to change how they listen.

However, those with compatible Audi vehicles may find the native experience more convenient.

Spotify Plans to Bring Its New Car App to More Vehicles

Audi is the first automotive manufacturer to introduce Spotify’s next-generation native in-car experience, but the partnership is expected to be the beginning of a wider rollout.

Spotify has confirmed plans to expand the technology to additional automotive manufacturers over the coming year.

The move reflects a growing focus on connected vehicles as entertainment platforms.

Modern cars increasingly feature larger infotainment displays, sophisticated sound systems and dedicated passenger screens, creating more opportunities for music streaming services to introduce interactive features.

With Spotify Jam, personalised recommendations, music videos and real-time lyrics becoming part of the experience, listening to music in the car could increasingly resemble the experience of using Spotify at home.

A New Way to Listen to Music on the Road

Spotify’s new Audi integration represents another step towards making music streaming a built-in part of modern vehicles.

For listeners, the biggest advantage is convenience. There is less need to connect devices, playback can resume automatically, and passengers have new ways to interact with the music.

The addition of Spotify Jam, voice controls and multimedia features also creates a more social and personalised listening experience.

While the technology is currently limited to selected Audi models, Spotify’s plans to expand into other automotive brands suggest that fully integrated music streaming could become increasingly common.

For music fans, that could mean a future where their favourite playlists, podcasts and recommendations are ready to play as soon as they get into the car.