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In-car media centers have changed dramatically over the past ten years. In 2014, most in-car “info-tainment systems” featured screens, but they were usually significantly smaller and were not integrated with the driver’s phone. One would be hard pressed to locate a CD player in a 2026 model year vehicle, and cassette players are long extinct in new cars. Popular technology systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were first rolled out in American auto markets in 2014, and in-car audio listening hasn’t been the same since.
As of 2025, 40% of Americans 18+ who have driven or ridden in a car in the last month have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in their primary vehicle. Though not yet fully mainstream, as the car stock takes years to turn over, these in-car technology systems are becoming increasingly popular. Through Edison Research’s Infinite Dial study, we can see how the popularity of CarPlay and Android Auto has grown over time. In 2023, 26% had either of these technologies in their primary vehicle, increasing to 32% in 2024.
Not only is the penetration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto increasing in the American auto market, but usage of these technologies among those that have access to them is also high. As of 2025, 83% of Americans 18+ who have been in a car in the last month and have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, use either platform. Meaning, those who have either technology in their cars use it.
The availability of these software platforms comes baked into most new cars. The fact that five in six people who can access CarPlay or Android Auto do so is a strong sign that these systems will continue to be a major in-car factor going forward.
Visit our website to learn more about how Edison Research measures and tracks technology usage and audio consumption both in the U.S. and all over the world.
Edison Research to present The UK Podcast Consumer 2025
Join Edison Research’s Gabriel Soto, Senior Director of Research, next Thursday, August 7 at 2pm BST (London)/9am EDT (New York) for the debut of The UK Podcast Consumer 2025. On the heels of The Podcast Consumer 2025, which focused on podcast listening in the U.S, Soto will present The UK Podcast Consumer 2025, a comprehensive look at the podcast listening landscape in the UK.
Among many findings, the study reveals growth statistics for podcast consumption in the UK, showcases key demographic insights, and highlights tools advertisers can use to plan ads and measure their effectiveness. The study includes findings from The Infinite Dial® UK and Edison Podcast Metrics® UK.
