Software company Cariad is launching a new app store for Volkswagen Group cars, providing a “digital in-car experience” the company says would be a game changer for the automotive industry.

Unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week, the in-car ecosystem supports the integration of services from partners including Spotify, Tik Tok, Yelp, Cisco’s Webex and smart home platform Home Assistant. 

Cariad is also working with Samsung’s Harman to create an open ecosystem for drivers to access infotainment systems, with features including music and video, gaming, navigation and weather apps. Volkswagen Group brands will also integrate their own apps, such as online traffic light information or navigation services.

Audi will be the first Volkswagen Group brand to implement the experience, with an expected July rollout date for select models. Additional brands are expected to follow suit.

“Our new store for digital apps is the first major milestone in Cariad’s year of delivery. It is the result of a great collaboration between Audi, Cariad and Harman,” said Dirk Hilgenberg, Cariad’s CEO. “We will take the in-car experience to the next level – by integrating the digital world of the Volkswagen Group’s customers seamlessly into the car. Our Group application store already allows a first glimpse on a completely new infotainment stack: The store will be part of the ‘One.Infotainment’ system in the premium software for the next generation of Porsche and Audi models.”