CarPlay, Android Auto Use Surges Transforming Audio Habits

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 30, 2025 | 2:06pm CT

Edison Research

The landscape of in-car media has changed dramatically over the past decade, with smartphones now taking center stage in the driving experience. Once dominated by small, disconnected screens-and even CD players as recently as 2014-today's in-car "infotainment systems" are increasingly built around Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

According to new data from Edison Research's Infinite Dial study, the presence of CarPlay and Android Auto in American vehicles continues to rise steadily. In 2023, 26% of respondents reported having one of the two systems in their primary vehicle. That number climbed to 32% in 2024, reflecting both consumer demand and the growing number of automakers integrating the platforms directly into their new models.

While these technologies aren't yet universal-given the long turnover cycle for the U.S. car fleet-usage among those who do have access is high. As of 2025, 83% of Americans aged 18 and older who have driven in the last month and have access to either CarPlay or Android Auto report using them.

"These figures confirm that once drivers have access to these systems, they tend to rely on them heavily," said Edison Research. "It's a strong signal that CarPlay and Android Auto are not just optional features, but central to the in-car experience."

With CD players all but gone and cassettes firmly in the rearview mirror, the shift toward connected, smartphone-integrated dashboards is reshaping how Americans consume audio on the road-whether through streaming, podcasts, or other app-based content.