Android Auto and CarPlay Can’t Kill Off AM/FM Radio (Yet)

When Apple CarPlay and Android Auto first hit the market, many thought they would spell the end for traditional AM/FM radio. With access to Spotify, YouTube Music, podcasts, and countless other apps, streaming seemed like the future—and radio felt like a relic of the past.

But the latest research tells a different story: AM/FM radio is still alive and well, even in cars equipped with CarPlay and Android Auto.

CarPlay and Android Auto Adoption: Growing, But Limited

According to Edison Research, only about one-third of Americans currently have access to CarPlay or Android Auto in their vehicles. While both systems are increasingly standard in new models, millions of older cars still on the road don’t support them.

Yes, retrofitting is possible thanks to aftermarket head units or CarPlay retrofit modules like the ones we offer at TheCarPlayer.com, but installation costs and complexity can be a barrier for many drivers.

This means AM/FM radio remains the default choice for a large portion of the driving population.

The Numbers: Radio Still Rules

The study highlights just how strong radio’s presence still is:

• In cars without CarPlay/Android Auto: AM/FM radio holds a 62% share of in-car listening, while streaming services lag behind at just 12%.

• In cars with CarPlay/Android Auto: Radio listening drops but still dominates at 47%, more than double the 20% share of streaming apps like Spotify and YouTube Music.

• Podcasts: Surprisingly, they account for just 4–5% of in-car listening, despite being highly accessible on CarPlay and Android Auto.

Why Drivers Still Rely on Radio

So why does AM/FM radio remain so strong despite the tech boom?

1. Accessibility – Radio works in every car, no app or setup required.

2. Local Content – News, traffic, and weather updates remain radio’s biggest draw.

3. No Data Needed – Streaming eats mobile data, while radio is always free.

Even as Apple and Google push for deeper integration of connected services, radio still offers something simple and reliable that streaming hasn’t fully replaced.

CarPlay Is Growing—But Radio Isn’t Going Anywhere

Apple claims that nearly 80% of new-car buyers won’t purchase a vehicle without CarPlay support, and Google is making similar strides with Android Auto. There’s no doubt that smartphone projection systems are becoming must-have features for modern drivers.

Still, as long as millions of older vehicles stay on the road and drivers continue to rely on the ease of AM/FM, traditional radio won’t be disappearing anytime soon.

✅ Final Takeaway for TheCarPlayer.com Readers:
CarPlay and Android Auto are the future of in-car entertainment, but radio remains a powerful habit for drivers. If your current vehicle doesn’t support CarPlay yet, upgrading with a retrofit module is the best way to bring streaming, podcasts, and smarter navigation into your car—without giving up the reliability of good old-fashioned radio.