Spotify’s native Audi app became available through the Audi Application Store on October 21, 2026, for supported vehicles running Android Automotive OS, the operating system built into the car’s infotainment system. After signing in, you don’t need to keep a phone paired or tethered for playback. Audi limits compatibility to specified newer vehicles, so the operating system alone does not establish that a car can use the app.
What changes when Spotify runs in the car
The app runs on the vehicle’s infotainment system rather than projecting a phone’s app interface onto the display, as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay do. Spotify can therefore render its own interface on the car’s screens. The Verge reported that an earlier Android Automotive integration used Google templates for the layout while Spotify supplied catalog and back-end data; in the new app, Spotify renders the interface itself.
This launch does not mean Spotify is ending phone-projection support. Spotify automotive business development lead Jonathan Tarlton told The Verge that the company remained heavily invested in phone projection. In a Reddit discussion about the launch, some commenters preferred Android Auto or CarPlay to automaker-specific apps. Another praised native Spotify clients in other cars for search and controls adapted to the vehicle, describing those other cars rather than Audi’s new app.
Which Audi models are named
Audi lists the A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron, along with the A5, Q5 and A6 from model year 2026, among the supported vehicles. Audi ties eligibility to newer vehicles based on its Premium Platform Electric (PPE) and Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architectures. Audi says the Q7 and Q9 will receive the app from their respective market launches.
How sign-in and playback work
Install or update Spotify through the Audi Application Store, then open the app on the car’s display. Sign in by scanning the on-screen QR code with a phone or by entering the displayed code at spotify.com/pair. Spotify says a phone can be used to sign in but does not need to stay connected for playback. An Audi connect package may also be required.
Audi says the app is free to download and available to Spotify Free and Premium listeners. A Spotify account is required to use it in the car.
What drivers and passengers can use
Audi lists music videos, real-time lyrics, Spotify Jam and Spotify DJ among the app’s features. While the vehicle is moving, Audi says the central MMI display hides video and lyrics, removes their related controls, and blocks sign-in and settings. Supported passenger displays can keep compatible features available, and passengers can join a Spotify Jam by scanning a QR code and adding tracks to the shared queue.
Audi says supported voice controls, including “Hey Audi” and Spotify DJ, remain available while driving.
