Smartphones Surpassed Radio in Cars by 2026

Mobile devices overtook traditional receivers for in-car audio time among younger listeners as of Q2 2026.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Car Types

Smartphones Surpassed Radio in Cars by 2026

Live Poll

Should the federal government require automakers to keep AM radio in all new vehicles?

As of Q2 2026, mobile devices accounted for 46% of in-car audio time among listeners aged 13 to 34, finally surpassing the 43% share held by traditional radio receivers. This shift marks the completion of a long-term trend away from physical receivers toward smartphone-based streaming platforms.

Why it matters

While listeners are increasingly adopting digital streaming, traditional radio remains a cornerstone for shared experiences, with 84% of Gen Z drivers and passengers opting for radio when riding with others to avoid judgment regarding personal playlist choices.

Mobile devices captured a 46% share of in-car audio time by Q2 2026, while traditional radio receivers held 43%. Despite the decline in physical hardware, AM/FM stations still command 70% of ad-supported in-car listening time for the 13-34 demographic.

The players

U.S. House of Representatives

This is the lower chamber of the United States Congress that recently acted to preserve radio access in new vehicles.

Tesla

This is an American automotive and energy company that removed traditional AM/FM radio receivers from the Standard trims of its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.

The details

Drivers and passengers are increasingly shifting from physical hardware to mobile-based applications to stream radio content within their vehicles. This transition coincides with hardware decisions by manufacturers like Tesla, which removed traditional AM/FM radios from the Standard trims of its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.

In 2015, radio held 66% of in-car audio share compared to 19% for mobile.
By 2021, radio share fell to 46% while mobile share rose to 38%.
In 2025, mobile device share edged ahead of radio 44% to 43%.
During Q2 2026, mobile accounted for 46% of in-car audio time.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act on September 16, 2026.

Marketing
Sept. 23
Audacy Study Showed Podcast Advertising Growth
Football
Sept. 21
NFL Radio Audiences Have Grown Significantly
Electric Vehicles
Sept. 19
House Passed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act

Roadmap

The transition toward mobile-based audio reflects a broader decline in dedicated vehicle hardware that once defined the in-car experience. As automakers integrate software-defined dashboards, the necessity of legacy physical components faces increasing scrutiny against consumer preference for smartphone integration.

New vehicle buyers may find that modern automotive interfaces prioritize smartphone streaming integrations over traditional analog radio tuning. While federal mandates like the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act aim to preserve broadcast options, consumers should expect future vehicle trims to continue de-emphasizing physical radio receivers.

The takeaway

The rise of mobile streaming in vehicles signals a permanent change in how passengers consume audio, even as radio remains a socially vital tool for group environments. Drivers should anticipate further consolidation of in-car entertainment platforms as manufacturers continue to replace physical hardware with app-based ecosystems.