Audi introduces third-party apps to infotainment system

Audi is updating its MIB3 infotainment system to allow the installation of third party apps.

The function will be available on Audi A3, A4/A5, Q5, A6/A7, A8, Q8 e-tron, and Audi e-tron GT models produced from summer 2023.

With the new store, drivers will gain access to a wide variety of apps, which can be downloaded directly to the MMI. At launch, apps from the following categories are available: Music, Video, Gaming, Navigation, Parking & Charging, Productivity, Weather, and News.

The Music section, for example, includes apps such as Amazon Music and Spotify. Audi says the store will constantly grow with new apps being added all the time.

Customers can access the app store via a separate MMI tile. Afterwards, the additional apps are seamlessly implemented in the MMI and can be used safely and reliably even while driving. The app portfolio is adapted specifically to the various markets.

“Audi is the first brand within the Volkswagen Group to introduce the new store for third party applications. Developed by CARIAD, this scalable solution is a proof point for our strategy to offer a highly attractive ecosystem for our customers. With this solution, Audi drivers will not only enjoy regular software updates but also an even more personalised infotainment system,” said Oliver Hoffmann, CTO of Audi.

A data link is required to use the third-party apps, which is established via the so called “embedded SIM”, a sim card permanently installed in the vehicle. For Audi owners in Europe, the costs that accrue from using the cellular network are billed conveniently via data volume with Cubic Telecom. The first 25 gigabytes are free of charge. Audi models will continue to support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with option “smartphone interface”.