Volkswagen Group, which includes Audi and Porsche, is jumping headfirst into the world of in-car apps.
This is a sneak peek at the multinational corporation's long-term goal of creating a single software platform to control all aspects of its vehicles' operation.
Following the Trend
According to Verge, the world's second-largest automaker will launch an app store for its many automobile brands shortly. Common third-party applications adapted for use in a vehicle will be available.
In the first wave of availability, popular services like TikTok, Spotify, Yelp, and others have all been adapted for usage on the car's infotainment system display. Discussions are underway between Google and the Volkswagen Group to integrate Google Maps into the system, too.
New Audi vehicles this year will be the first to have the app store, with support for other makes and models, including Porsche, Lamborghini, and Bentley, coming later.
Since drivers and passengers seek smartphone-like functionality and capabilities, car apps have grown in popularity.
Volkswagen Group is following the trend toward providing a more smartphone-like experience while behind the wheel.
Mercedes-Benz has recently stated that beginning with the 2024 E-Class, all its new vehicles would have pre-installed versions of popular apps like TikTok, Zoom, the Vivaldi web browser, and more.
App Store Availability
Volkswagen Group's app store rollout is much more comprehensive.
Upon launch, users may choose from a wide variety of music and podcasting programs, video conference software, parking and electric vehicle (EV) charging services, games, news, and even smart home integration software.
Beginning this summer, the Audi app store will go live in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe with the majority of Audi's 2023 model range. This includes vehicles like the A4/A5, Q5, A6/A7, A8, Q8 E-tron, and E-tron GT. Later this year, additional Audi models and other brands and automobiles will be introduced.
Over-the-air upgrades for current vehicles will not bring the app store, but the carmaker is previewing a new infotainment stack dubbed "One.Infotainment" for all its brands. The manufacturer has said that Android Automotive will form the basis for both the interface and the underlying operating system.
Harman, a former rival of Samsung's but now a wholly owned company, was instrumental in developing the app store.
Dirk Hilgenberg, the CEO of Cariad, Volkswagen Group's in-house software subsidiary, said that one of the objectives was to provide in-office features that were designed from the get-go to be usable in a mobile environment.
The main goal, meanwhile, is to achieve a network of linked cars using the same software platforms, from the most basic Volkswagen to the most luxurious Porsche.
