Upgraded Apple CarPlay improves in-car music experience for another automaker's vehicles.
Lotus Joins the Dolby Atmos Revolution in the Auto Industry
Lotus, the renowned British automaker, has taken a significant step forward in the realm of in-car entertainment by announcing an upgrade to Dolby Atmos for the KEF sound system in the Lotus Eletre and Lotus Emeya.
For car enthusiasts, an upgrade to Dolby Atmos is usually an optional feature, offering a more immersive listening experience. This 3D audio format, known for its impact on home cinema soundtracks, has also made a significant mark on music and audiobooks.
The KEF sound system in the Lotus Eletre and Lotus Emeya boasts an impressive 23 speakers. To access the upgrade, users will need an over-the-air update from Lotus and at least iOS 18 on their iPhone. The upgrade will enable spatial audio through Apple CarPlay, providing a theatre-like experience for audiobooks, similar to being in a cinema.
Apple refers to Dolby Atmos as "spatial audio". Audiobooks on Audible can be experienced in Dolby Atmos, offering a more immersive listening experience. Some Dolby Atmos remixes bring a spatial dimension to music, while others are only slightly tweaked versions of the original.
The adoption of Dolby Atmos technology in cars is expected to lead to a more expansive sound system experience. Notable upcoming integrations include Audi models such as the Q7, Q8, A8, and e-tron GT. Cadillac's entire 2026 electric vehicle lineup, including models like the Escalade IQ and Escalade IQL, will also feature Dolby Atmos.
Other manufacturers joining the Dolby Atmos bandwagon include Mahindra, with the Thar ROXX AX7L variant and Mahindra's Electric Origin SUVs (BE 6 and XEV 9e), and Tata with the Harrier EV in India. These expansions are part of broader collaborations announced throughout 2025, signaling significant growth of Dolby Atmos in automotive entertainment across multiple manufacturers and markets.
Volvo was one of the first manufacturers to go all-in with Dolby Atmos, and Mercedes has Dolby Atmos on all models in its range. Tracks for Dolby Atmos are available through services like Apple Music and Amazon Music. Streaming services that support Dolby Atmos provide access to tracks encoded in this format.
However, a premium sound system is often required in cars to enjoy Dolby Atmos. The variability in the Dolby Atmos music experience depends on the remixing of tracks by artists.
Buying a new Lotus offers an immediate access to a car with Dolby Atmos upgrade, making it an attractive option for audiophiles looking for an immersive in-car entertainment experience.
In light of Lotus' integration of Dolby Atmos, smartphone users with iOS 18 and above can expect an immersive music listening experience in their new Lotus Eletre or Lotus Emeya, as these gadgets will benefit from the spatial audio upgrade. The adoption of this technology in vehicles is not limited to Lotus, as other manufacturers like Audi, Cadillac, Mahindra, Tata, and Volvo are also embracing Dolby Atmos for a more entertaining automotive experience, with an increased number of Dolby Atmos tracks becoming available on streaming platforms like Apple Music and Amazon Music.
