UNLOCK THE POWER OF APPLE CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTO FOR YOUR RADIO APP

Friday, 25 July 2025

So, your radio app is up and running. Listeners love your content. Everything seems to be in place. But here’s the thing: what happens when your users get in the car?

Are they still with you?

Let’s face it.

The future of mobile listening is already here – and it’s sitting right on the dashboard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t just tech buzzwords anymore. They’re present in nearly every new vehicle, making them essential for any modern radio app. If your app isn’t part of that ecosystem, you might be missing out on a huge opportunity.

So… what exactly do these platforms do, and why should you care?

Let’s dive in.

 

What is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

 

Alright, quick crash course.

Apple CarPlay (for iPhone users) and Android Auto (for Android folks) are smart interfaces that show up on a car’s screen the moment you plug in your phone (or connect wirelessly, depending on the vehicle).

Think of it this way: instead of fumbling with your device while driving – which, let’s be honest, is a bad idea – your favorite apps pop up on your dashboard. Music, messages, maps… and yes, radio apps too.

Users can navigate with their fingertips, use voice assistants (like Siri or Google Assistant), or even the steering wheel buttons. Smooth, safe and simple.

And the best part?

Your app becomes part of that experience. No extra hardware, no complicated steps. Just plug in and play.

 

Check this out: How to promote your radio station!

 

Why CarPlay and Android Auto support matters for radio apps

 

Let’s break it down. Because this isn’t about being “modern” – it’s about giving your listeners what they need, exactly where they need it.

 

Safety and hands-free control

No one want distracted drivers on the road. That’s where Apple CarPlay and Android Auto shine.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving caused more than 3,500 deaths in 2021. These systems were built to fight that – by minimizing phone interaction and letting drivers control apps with their voice or car controls.

For your app, that means listeners can launch it or pause it without ever touching their phones. It keeps them safe. It keeps you compliant with local laws. And it keeps your content front and center.

 

Better user experience

Let’s be real – no one wants to click through five screens to get your stream.

With CarPlay and Android Auto, your radio app is just there. Instantly.

The layout is clean. The control is simple. No distractions, just your station, your content, your vibe – available with one tap or one “Hey Siri”.

And when it’s that easy to use? People keep coming back. On their way to work, on road trips, even just driving to the grocery store.

That’s engagement – and it adds up.

 

Competitive edge in the streaming market

Streaming is crowded. Everyone’s fighting for attention. So, how do you stand out?

You offer something others don’t.

Adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support shows your audience (and potential sponsors) that you’re not just keeping up – you’re ahead of the curve.

It’s one of those “small features” that feels huge to the end user. And let’s be honest: is someone’s choosing between two apps and only one of them works with their car? You already know who wins.

 

Further reading: How to start an internet radio station: A step-by-step guide

 

How to enable CarPlay and Android Auto in your radio app?

 

Here’s the good news: Looksomething.com makes it totally easy.

We’ve created a new add-on just for that. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support is available for €30/year each, or €60/year as a bundle. That’s it.

You don’t need to hire developer and you don’t need to rebuild your app. Once you activate the add-on through your account dashboard, it integrates directly into your existing app setup.

Listeners with compatible vehicles will see your app on their dashboard as soon as they connect their phone. It works with touchscreen controls, voice assistant, and even steering wheel buttons.

No extra apps and no weird settings. Just a clean, professional upgrade that puts your station exactly where it belongs – in front of your audience.

To activate it, just log in to your Looksomething account, choose your app, and purchase the add-on. Payment is easy. Once it’s added, you’ll be notified when activation is complete.

 

Read also: 12 reasons Apple Rejects your App from App Store

 

Take your radio app to the next level

 

CarPlay and Android Auto are not just “nice to have.” They’re the new standard. And when your app supports them, it becomes part of your listener’s daily life — effortlessly.

You’re giving your audience something better: an experience that follows them from their phone to their car, without missing a beat. You’re offering safety, convenience, and that magical feeling of everything just working.

And the best part?

It only takes a few clicks to make it happen.

So… are you ready to take your radio app on the road?

Activate the CarPlay and Android Auto add-on today — and let your listeners enjoy the ride, with you right there beside them.

Add CarPlay & Android Auto