Radio Still Dominant in Cars Despite Growth of CarPlay

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 10, 2025 | 2:04pm CT

Edison Research

A new Share of Ear report highlights that AM/FM radio continues to command the largest share of in-car audio listening among Americans 13+, even as connected car platforms such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto gain traction.

As of the second quarter of 2025, just over one-third of Americans now have CarPlay or Android Auto available in their primary vehicles. Edison Research data shows that 83% of adults 18+ with access to these systems use them regularly, signaling a shift in consumer listening habits.

Despite that shift, traditional broadcast radio remains the leading in-car audio choice. Among drivers with CarPlay or Android Auto, AM/FM still accounts for 47% of daily listening time. Streaming audio and SiriusXM are the primary beneficiaries of the new dashboard technologies, each capturing 20% of listening in equipped vehicles.

Interestingly, the report also finds that podcast listening in the car remains relatively steady, with no significant spikes in usage despite the growing popularity of on-demand content in other contexts.

The latest findings underscore radio's enduring role in Americans' audio routines, particularly behind the wheel, even as digital platforms reshape the broader listening landscape.