Spotify launches its first standalone, native in-car app built on Android Automotive OS, debuting on select Audi models, with a custom UI controlled by Spotify (Andrew J. Hawkins/The Verge)

Spotify has launched its first native car app, marking a significant departure from CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The new app, built on Google’s Android Automotive OS, is available in select Audi models and runs directly on the vehicle’s infotainment hardware. This eliminates the need for phone tethering, Bluetooth connections, or aux cables, providing a more seamless user experience.

Spotify's automotive business development lead, Jonathan Tarlton, emphasized the app’s focus on delivering a more inviting experience tailored entirely to Spotify. Unlike its standard Android Automotive app, which relied on Google templates, the new app allows Spotify to draw and render its own native UI directly on the vehicle’s screens.

While Spotify remains invested in phone projection, this native app is designed to compete directly with phone mirroring, potentially redirecting users away from traditional phone mirroring methods. The app offers several benefits over traditional phone mirroring, including reduced startup times, enhanced passenger engagement features, and a more enjoyable cabin atmosphere.

Spotify aims to provide users with more choices for accessing their platform, catering to both iOS and Android users. The rollout of the new app focuses on Android-based vehicles, allowing Spotify to minimize fragmentation across different automakers and distribute the app through multiple app stores.