CES 2026: Pioneer Announces First Aftermarket CarPlay Unit With Spatial Audio

Pioneer contiguous announced a caller in-dash receiver that supports Dolby Atmos audio playback wrong Apple CarPlay, extending the diagnostic into the aftermarket class for the archetypal time.


Apple has supported Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio crossed overmuch of its ecosystem since 2021, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, AirPods, HomePod, and Apple Music. In vehicles, however, Dolby Atmos playback done Apple ‌CarPlay‌ has depended connected automakers integrating compatible audio hardware, resulting successful availability being restricted to a comparatively tiny fig of high-end models. Pioneer's caller SPHERA in-dash receiver makes Atmos-capable ‌CarPlay‌ disposable to a overmuch broader basal of drivers done aftermarket installation.

The strategy uses a vehicle's existing talker setup alternatively than requiring specialized oregon factory-installed Atmos hardware. The institution says the receiver uses an optimized four-channel configuration that works with modular beforehand and rear speakers, allowing spatial audio playback without further tallness oregon ceiling-mounted speakers.

Pioneer's proprietary Pure Autotuning exertion is designed to code the acoustic variability of conveyance interiors, accounting for antithetic sizes, shapes, materials, and talker placements. It automatically adjusts clip alignment, frequence response, and transmission levels to spot the listener astatine what Pioneer calls the acoustic halfway position.

The receiver itself features a 10.1-inch HD capacitive touchscreen and supports wireless ‌CarPlay‌, wireless Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The interface includes a split-screen mode that allows navigation to stay disposable portion drivers entree audio controls oregon strategy functions.

SPHERA is designed for cosmopolitan aftermarket installation and tin beryllium fitted to a wide assortment of vehicles with minimal modification. Pioneer announced it astatine CES 2026 and said the receiver volition beryllium disposable starting successful the spring, with pricing starting astatine $1,300.
This article, "CES 2026: Pioneer Announces First Aftermarket CarPlay Unit With Spatial Audio" archetypal appeared connected MacRumors.com

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