Clear contrast with rivals dropping CarPlay
Volvo has confirmed it will continue to support Apple CarPlay across its vehicle lineup, including electric models, positioning itself as an alternative for buyers turned off by other automakers moving away from Apple’s in-car ecosystem.
Speaking in Stockholm ahead of the debut of the 2027 EX60, Volvo’s Chief Engineering and Technology Officer Anders Bell said the decision reflects the company’s broader philosophy around user choice and digital integration.
“Yes, absolutely we will,” Bell said when asked if Apple CarPlay would remain available. “We want to integrate into your digital life, not force you into something. We need to adapt to you, whatever your digital ecosystem is.”
Apple Music coming as a native app
Beyond maintaining Apple CarPlay, Volvo plans to deepen its Apple integration by introducing a native Apple Music app within its infotainment system. Bell said the move is designed to maximize audio quality, particularly for vehicles equipped with Volvo’s high-end sound systems.
“If you want to run Apple Music through CarPlay, fine,” Bell explained. “But if you want to run it natively, there’s a dedicated app. We have a mind-blowing sound system in this car, and we want as much Spatial Audio as possible. Apple Music is the biggest platform for that.”
The approach allows drivers to choose between CarPlay and Volvo’s native interface without sacrificing access to key services.
Native systems improving, but choice remains
Bell acknowledged that as in-car software improves, some drivers may gradually rely less on Apple CarPlay. However, he emphasized that the decision should always rest with the customer.
“Maybe people will walk away from CarPlay over time,” he said. “Our job is to provide the best native experience we can. But if you want Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, the integration should be supremely good. The customer needs to choose.”
He also offered a candid assessment of why CarPlay gained traction in the first place, noting that early automotive infotainment systems often fell short. While Bell personally uses Volvo’s native system most of the time, he stressed that personal preference should never be imposed on buyers.
Design philosophy driven by customer habits
Volvo’s stance aligns with comments made previously by Senior Design Manager Sara Erichsen Susnjar, who said the company wants to own its technology stack and hardware to deliver a more refined experience. At the same time, she acknowledged the importance of meeting customer expectations, especially in markets like the United States.
According to Erichsen Susnjar, Apple CarPlay penetration is particularly high among US buyers, and there is strong overlap between Apple users and Volvo customers. While Volvo aims to differentiate itself through its own software and design choices, it does not intend to ignore tools that customers already rely on daily.
The result is a strategy that balances control with flexibility, allowing Volvo to build its own digital identity while continuing to support the platforms many drivers consider essential.