Infotainment Systems Fuel Digital Audio Growth

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | 11:27am CT

Edison Research at SSRS

The growing adoption of in-car infotainment systems is accelerating digital audio listening, according to new data from Edison Research's Share of Ear study. The report shows ownership of infotainment platforms such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay has more than doubled since 2019, rising from 18% of Americans age 13 and older to 40% in 2026.

Among drivers who own one of these systems, digital listening has increased significantly over the past seven years. In 2019, 86% of their in-car listening time was devoted to non-digital audio sources, including over-the-air AM/FM radio, SiriusXM satellite radio and owned music such as CDs.

Today, digital sources account for 36% of listening time among infotainment system owners. That includes streaming music services, AM/FM station streams, podcasts and audiobooks.

Despite the growth in digital listening, traditional audio continues to dominate the dashboard. Edison reports that 64% of in-car listening by Android Auto and Apple CarPlay users still goes to non-digital sources, primarily over-the-air AM/FM radio and satellite radio.

The findings suggest that while infotainment systems are encouraging greater use of digital audio, they have not displaced traditional radio. Instead, Edison says owners appear to be making increasing use of the digital capabilities built into their vehicles, pointing to continued growth for digital audio consumption in the car.