I’m in a Waymo, traversing San Francisco’s bustling streets with ease, thanks to 29 cameras, six radar, and five lidar sensors feeding an AI model. For $15, I get a taste of modern technology, though one thing bothers me.
The music is terrible.
Waymo’s music streaming feature seemed outdated. Until recently, users could only choose from limited stations like lo-fi, jazz, or K-pop. Those wanting specific music had to use another app from Waymo’s parent, Alphabet.
For iPhone users, it meant installing the Google Assistant app and linking it to Spotify, then instructing Google Assistant to play specific songs, artists, or playlists in the Waymo. Even reaching this point — possibly halfway to your destination after hearing three lo-fi beats — the service wasn’t reliable.
Riding in an advanced robotaxi, I wondered why Waymo hadn’t enabled phone-to-speaker streaming — a feature developed decades ago by automakers and audio companies.
I was pleased to find out Waymo launched a new Spotify integration, allowing users to easily link music streaming with robotaxi services. I quickly connected the services and booked a Waymo to test it out.
Waymo’s Spotify integration isn’t revolutionary, but it enhances the user experience. It works smoothly, which is what you’d expect for playing music in your car in 2025. Riding in a Waymo, listening to my playlist or a podcast, the back seat feels personal — a reason to choose Waymo.
To set this up, open the Waymo app and find the “Music” section, where you can link to Spotify. Press a button to authorize the connection, giving Waymo some access to your listening info.
Apple Music users may want this functionality soon. Waymo’s Chris Bonelli mentioned the company is exploring new personalization features, but didn’t give specifics about Apple Music integration.
Once my Waymo and Spotify accounts were connected, I booked a Waymo. Inside, the touchscreen offered a Spotify option. I tapped it, and the podcast I was listening to resumed where I left off.
You can toggle “autoplay” in Waymo’s Music settings, and the robotaxi will start playing your last Spotify track automatically. I liked this, but it could be awkward if you’re listening to, say, a true crime podcast with colleagues.
Using Waymo’s screen, you can choose among custom playlists familiar to Spotify users, such as “Daylist,” though this doesn’t include recent albums, audiobooks, or podcasts.
Fortunately, Spotify now controls the music in the Waymo. You can select any song or playlist from your smartphone to stream through the car like Apple CarPlay or a Bluetooth speaker.
Ultimately, the Spotify integration made my robotaxi experience more personal; I could even adjust bass, subwoofer, and treble levels. While this personalization may not attract first-time users, it might encourage loyalty — key for Waymo’s customer retention.