Volvo is rolling out a software update to over 2 million vehicles worldwide that brings Apple Music directly into the built-in infotainment system-no iPhone or CarPlay needed. New users will also get up to three months of free access.
After the update, drivers can launch Apple Music from the central touchscreen or via voice commands. Existing Apple accounts work seamlessly, offering access to more than 100 million tracks, playlists, and live radio stations. New subscribers can create an Apple Music account right from the car and even transfer their music libraries from other streaming services. Volvo confirmed that the app will come pre-installed on its upcoming EX60 model.
Volvo’s latest flagship models-the EX60, EX90, and ES90-will also support Apple Music’s Spatial Audio, Apple’s immersive surround sound format that’s a major selling point of its streaming service. For automakers, this feature is an incentive to upgrade premium audio systems and justify higher-spec interiors.
This move aligns with Volvo’s ongoing transition toward treating cars as software platforms. Since the early 2010s, Volvo has adopted Android Automotive with Google Built-in services, enabling over-the-air updates instead of requiring dealership visits for new features. This approach has become standard in luxury cars: Mercedes-Benz integrated Apple Music Spatial Audio early on in its high-end models, and Tesla and BMW continually expand their infotainment capabilities through software updates.
The switch from relying solely on CarPlay makes practical sense. Native apps generally offer faster performance, avoid the hassle of cables, and are less dependent on smartphone connectivity. They also integrate better with the car’s voice control systems. For Volvo, it’s a strategic push to catch up with competitors in the connected car segment-a sector that McKinsey estimates will become a multibillion-dollar market by the end of the decade. The real test will be the user experience in models like the EX60, where the quality of built-in software will be judged on daily drives, not press releases.