Audi’s New Spotify App Does Something Tesla’s Version Doesn’t

In-car creature comforts have advanced rapidly because new car buyers care as much about features as they do about performance. This is why we’re used to seeing bigger, more extensive software and feature updates that make the experience feel more seamless for the driver.

Spotify is a standalone music streaming service and is arguably the biggest service provider in the world. Its relevance to the automotive industry is also massive, letting drivers stream their own curated playlists while driving. Being able to use and control Spotify through your car’s infotainment screen has become an essential part of the modern commute.

Audi’s In-Car Spotify

Recognizing this, Spotify has moved from a third-party app on your phone to a fully built-out in-car app you can now use directly in your car. Audi just announced that it’s the first carmaker to launch Spotify’s fully native in-car app. This integration uses Android Automotive OS to put the Spotify app and interface directly into the car’s system, so all you need to do is log into your car’s Spotify app instead of opening it on your phone.

This in-car app was developed by Spotify and includes features like music videos, real-time lyrics, and Spotify Jam. These features automatically adjust by detecting whether the car is moving or parked. To avoid distracting the driver, when the car is moving, the real-time music video and lyrics appear only on the front passenger display; once the car is parked, they appear on the main center display.

The new Spotify app is now available in the Audi app store for models built on the brand’s PPE and PPC platforms, including the Audi A6 e-tron, Q6 e-tron, A5, Q5, and A6 from the 2026 model year onward. Downloading the app is free, but you need a paid Spotify account to use it in full.

Wasn’t Tesla First?

Audi’s claim to be the first to launch an in-car Spotify app can be challenged by the fact that Tesla (and other automakers) already did so. However, according to Audi’s statement there’s a big difference: “The new native Spotify app features an interface specifically for in-vehicle use rather than relying on the standardized templates used in previous versions. Customers will find familiar Spotify menus and navigation, along with the full range of Spotify functions.”

Also, Tesla designed its version rather than having Spotify’s developers build it, a key difference from the version Audi just launched.