Audi infotainment system gains Apple Music for 'nearly all' 2022 cars

Audi has announced that Apple Music subscribers will be able to access the service directly from their car's own entertainment system, for the majority of cars from 2022 onwards, including some already on the road.

Car manufacturer Audi has been supporting Apple's CarPlay since 2015, but now it's making Apple Music available directly through its own in-car systems. Users can still connect their iPhones, but no longer have to for music.

"Integrating Apple Music into the Audio infotainment system marks the next step in the collaboration between Audi and Apple," said Christiane Zorn, Audi's Head of Product Marketing in a statement. "For our customers, it means that we are offering them direct access to their own personalized listening experience."

"This is our understanding of a premium digital in-car experience," continued Zorn. "At Audi we are systematically driving the digitalization of the vehicle and we are convinced that the interior is increasingly developing into a third living space."

Audi says that this Apple Music integration is to be included in "nearly all" cars in North America, Europe, and Japan, starting "with the 2022 model year." An over-the-air update will bring the feature to existing compatible vehicles.

This integration does not replace CarPlay. Audi says that drivers will continue to be able to connect their iPhones, either wirelessly or via USB, to get Apple Maps, Siri, and make calls.