Volkswagen Group is introducing an in-car app store for Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche vehicles. This store will offer popular apps like Spotify, TikTok, and Yelp for users to download directly to their car’s operating system.
According to Investopedia, Volkswagen AG is currently the world’s leading car manufacturer in terms of revenue, boasting a $284.34 billion revenue and $19.76 billion net income as of December 21, 2022. They are innovating by launching an app store in their cars, starting with top applications such as TikTok, Spotify, and Yelp at the outset, with plans to include more in the future. Spotify, a widely used car app, will now be accessible through the car’s dedicated app store.
VW is ushering in a new era for Audi vehicles. The app store will debut in the 2023 model year Audi A4, A5, Q5, A6, A, A8, Q8 e-tron, and the e-tron GT models. This initiative will kick off with these specific Audi vehicles and gradually expand to the entire Audi range. Following Audi, Porsche will integrate this new feature, and Volkswagen cars will follow suit. Additionally, two other VW brands, Lamborghini and Bentley, are set to adopt this innovative feature. Audi’s range encompasses both superior cars compared to Volkswagen and more budget-friendly options than Porsche, making it a favored choice. The timeline for rolling out this feature to other models remains unclear.
Accessing the In-Car App Store on Older Models
Regrettably, older vehicles will not be able to access the in-car app store through a software update. The new cars will utilize CARIAD’s latest infotainment system. This advanced feature will be exclusively available in the upcoming 2023 models arriving this summer in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. CARIAD has shared, “Until today, cars have been purely about driving. A car is an object that you own and a means of getting from A to B. But in the future, with greater digitalization in the automotive sector, the way you enjoy your ride will transform.” The renowned app TikTok, widely embraced by users, will also be integrated into selected Audi cars. The prospect of viewing TikToks directly from your car’s OS may raise eyebrows. Currently, these vehicles lack in-cabin selfie cameras. A spokesperson clarified, stating, “For now, the TikTok App can only be used to consume content.” CARIAD’s CEO Dirk Hilgenberg underscores that this is just the first step and a small part of a broader vision.
While Volkswagen Group is making strides in this direction, they aren’t the first company to introduce TikTok-like apps in vehicles. Mercedes Benz recently unveiled its plan around a month ago, showcasing the 2023 E-Class interior featuring a selfie camera and pre-installed apps for TikTok and Zoom.
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