Porsche Taycan buyers can get a first: Apple Music without needing the smartphone app.
Porsche’s new Taycan will offer buyers the ability to directly stream Apple Music, giving drivers another entertainment option while not having to go through a smartphone app.
The first-time move, which Apple and Porsche officially announced today, could give the German automaker bragging rights over electric-car rival Tesla, which has been adding a variety of in-car entertainment options, including videogames.
“It’s about innovation. It’s about design. It’s about brand values that we share. And that’s why we were really excited when the project started,” said Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Porsche Cars North America, during a media background briefing at the company’s U.S. headquarters in Atlanta.
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The Taycan is the first all-electric model from Porsche – though the automaker has a number of other battery-electric vehicles under development, as well. The sports car will have its official public debut next month.
The electric sports car relies on two electric motors, one on each axle. Though final specs may vary, Porsche previously said the Taycan will produce a combined 600 horsepower. That will help it launch from 0 to 60 in an estimated 3.5 seconds. Top speed is rated at 155 mph.
While the emphasis will remain on performance and handling – some calling the Taycan a battery-powered Porsche 911 – the automaker is planning to take some tips from Tesla, including the addition of a streaming audio service and, it is expected, the ability to use over-the-air updates to modify the car’s software.
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The ability to stream music inside a car is not entirely new. Motorists already can plug their smartphones into the infotainment systems on a number of vehicles using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technologies. The Taycan will have CarPlay, too, allowi
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ng a driver to access a variety of app-based functions that can be displayed on the sports car’s touchscreen.
But with the new system, the ability to access Apple Music will be built right into the infotainment system. That has the obvious advantage of not having to plug in a smartphone – or of having to own an iPhone, in particular.
By using a built-in 4G LTE system to access the Internet, meanwhile, reception will likely be better, as well, with fewer dropouts in areas with weak signals.
As part of the deal, Taycan buyers will get three years of in-car data at no charge. Meanwhile, the Apple Music streaming service will be offered free to buyers for up to six months.
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Apple did not say whether it plans to offer similar deals with other automakers. But it has been revising its streaming services in recent months and is shifting from its traditional position, making Apple Music available to those who do not own Apple products.