🔄 Updating Apps: Have an existing mobile app with Radio.co, but no car integration? Skip ahead to updating existing apps.
Car radio, from your phone
Radio.co mobile apps support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Listeners can stream your station from their car’s dashboard display and control playback using in-car infotainment systems, steering wheel controls, or voice commands.
Supporting car dashboards allows you to:
Reach listeners during their daily commutes.
Increase listening hours during high-attention windows.
Stay present alongside other native in-car audio options.
Enabling CarPlay & Android Auto
How CarPlay and Android Auto are enabled depends entirely on whether your radio station's app is already built and live in the stores.
App Status 🟢 / 🔴 | Required Action 📌 | Cost 🧾 |
Option 1: Live in stores before 19th June 2026 | Redevelop and recompile existing apps | One-off $20 rebuild fee |
Option 2: App has not been created yet | Built automatically into your new apps | Either included in plan or $35/mo add-on |
⚠️ App Permissions: Apple and Google handle dashboard apps differently. Apple requires a special "entitlement" permission and 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) codes to build the app. Google doesn't require either for Android Auto.
Option 1: Updating existing apps
Apps live before 19th June 2026 need to be redeveloped. The process involves adding new functionality for vehicles, requiring an app rebuild. We'll rebuild your apps with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, test, and submit to both stores.
How to get started:
Contact Support: Request your app to be redeveloped via help@radio.co.
Pay Rebuild Fee: One-off fee to recompile, test, and submit your app.
The build process:
App Build: The support team will start developing your apps.
Verify: Share Apple 2FA and 'entitlement' codes with support.
App Submission: Both your apps will be submitted (wait times vary).
For Apple, you'll get a code to verify the CarPlay feature being added to your app. Support needs these codes to build your app. On the flip side, Google doesn't require verification codes for the app build.
Expect emails from Apple and Google once your apps have been approved. Your listeners will automatically receive the updates on their phones.
Option 2: Creating new apps
If you haven't launched your mobile apps, CarPlay and Android Auto will be included automatically when your new apps are built for the first time.
How to get started:
Plus & Premium Plans: Mobile apps are included in your subscription. Start designing your apps by heading to apps.radio.co.
Lite & Standard Plans: Purchase the mobile app add-on for $35/month, or upgrade your plan to get the apps bundled together.
The build process:
Design Apps: Style and provide station details during the design stage.
Submit Store Details: Share access to your developer accounts. The support team can then publish the apps in your name, and not ours.
Verify Build: Give access via 2FA codes Apple sends you.
Forward the Entitlement Email: Apple will email you directly once they approve the CarPlay entitlement on your developer account. Forward the email to Radio.co support - if you don't, we can't complete the build.
Once submitted, both stores will update you directly once approved and live on the store. If rejected, please forward the email(s) directly to help@radio.co.
Technical specs & listener requirements
Whether you're answering a listener query or checking phone compatibility, here's everything you need to know about the technical rollout.
Platform 🍎 / 🤖 | Minimum OS Version ⚙️ | Additional Requirements ➕ |
Apple CarPlay | iOS 18 or higher | Active Apple CarPlay setup on the vehicle dashboard |
Android Auto | Android 15 or higher | Android Auto compatible infotainment system |
ℹ️ Note for Listeners: Listeners may need to update their vehicle's built-in infotainment system to the latest version provided by their manufacturer.
Frequently asked questions
What's Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?
What's Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are in-car infotainment systems that mirror selected mobile apps onto a vehicle’s dashboard screen. Drivers can use the apps through their vehicle's screen, rather than picking up their phone. Drivers can also operate the apps by using their steering wheel controls or voice commands.
How are CarPlay & Android Auto useful for radio stations?
How are CarPlay & Android Auto useful for radio stations?
Listening habits shift when people are in the car. For many stations, a significant portion of daily listening happens while driving. Supporting CarPlay and Android Auto makes your station more accessible whilst on the road, mainly to:
Increase overall listening hours.
Reach listeners during their daily commutes.
Easier station access in high-attention environments, like driving.
Ubiquitous in the car ecosystem alongside music and podcasts.
Access directly through a listener’s screen on their car dashboard.
Do listeners need to download a separate app?
Do listeners need to download a separate app?
No. Once your app is updated in the app stores, it will automatically register with your listeners' car dashboards the next time they plug in or connect their phone to their vehicle.
How long does the CarPlay entitlement take?
How long does the CarPlay entitlement take?
Because Apple manually reviews entitlement requests, approval times can vary. Our support team will submit the paperwork immediately, but it can take several business days for Apple to grant the permission.
What happens if I choose not to update my app?
What happens if I choose not to update my app?
Your existing app will continue to function perfectly normally on standard iPhone and Android mobile devices. However, it will not appear as an available application on vehicle dashboards until the app is rebuilt.
How do I get iOS Apps and Android Apps with Radio.co?
How do I get iOS Apps and Android Apps with Radio.co?
If you want your radio station to be streamed on car dashboards, our apps are the best way to do it. Our custom-built iOS and Android apps are available to all Radio.co clients. Either through:
Premium & Plus Plans: A mobile app is already included in your subscription. Head to your Radio.co dashboard to start designing your layout templates, then submit your build request to support.
Lite & Standard Plans: You can unlock car dashboard streaming by adding the Mobile App add-on to your account for $35/month, or by upgrading your overall plan to Plus or Premium.
If you're not a Radio.co client, you can try free for 14 days.
Got questions?
Our team is here to help you get onto the road. Reach out via the messenger or email us directly at help@radio.co with your station ID.