Spotify and Audi launch native in-car app

Spotify and Audi have launched Spotify’s first native in-car app, enabling drivers in selected Audi models to stream music through the vehicle’s infotainment system without keeping a phone connected after setup. The app is available at launch for the electric Audi A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron, as well as the model-year 2026 A5, Q5 and A6. Audi says it is rolling out the feature across 47 markets, though availability and features can vary by region. The launch announcement dates the rollout to October 21, 2026; another report said it was available in the United States. The reports do not establish whether those descriptions reflect different stages of the rollout. Owners can download the app from the Audi Application Store and sign in to a Spotify account. A phone is needed to complete sign-in, but afterward playback runs through the car’s system rather than Bluetooth, a cable or phone projection. Spotify says the native app does not replace its support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which remain options for users. The app runs on Android Automotive, the operating system built into the vehicle, rather than projecting an app from a phone. Spotify’s automotive business development...