Dolby Laboratories showcased the rapid expansion of its automotive entertainment ecosystem at CES 2026, announcing that Dolby Atmos is now available in more than 150 vehicle models from over 35 automotive brands worldwide. The immersive audio technology now spans the full spectrum of the market, from ultra-luxury vehicles to entry-level models equipped with standard audio systems.
“At Dolby, we’re building technologies and partnerships that make premium experiences accessible to all, expanding how and where audiences can enjoy their favorite content,” said John Couling, Senior Vice President of Entertainment at Dolby Laboratories. “From the living room to the car and beyond, we’re bringing visions to life for creators across film, music, sports and social, reimagining how people see, hear and feel entertainment.”
Several automakers have adopted Dolby Atmos across their entire vehicle lineups, underscoring the technology’s growing importance in in-car entertainment strategies. Dolby Vision is also extending its presence in vehicles, with availability expanding to new models including the NIO ET9—making its CES debut this year—and the Mahindra XUV 7XO, India’s first vehicle to feature both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision.
Bringing this global momentum to life at CES 2026, Dolby is unveiling a series of new announcements alongside its first-ever automotive showroom at Dolby Live. The immersive showcase will feature the latest Dolby-enabled vehicles from leading manufacturers such as Audi, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, NIO and Porsche, highlighting how advanced audio and visual technologies are redefining the in-car entertainment experience.
Recognising the central role smartphones play in everyday and in-car entertainment, Dolby and Mercedes-Benz are also demonstrating seamless integration between personal devices and vehicle infotainment systems. Mercedes-Benz has become one of the first automakers to enable Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos via Apple CarPlay, with support rolling out across its newest models, including the all-new electric GLC, CLA, and GLB. Drivers can instantly access Dolby Atmos tracks from services such as Apple Music, delivering enhanced clarity and depth for a more engaging driving experience.
Expanding access beyond factory-fitted systems, Dolby is also highlighting Pioneer’s SPHERA, the world’s first aftermarket in-dash receiver to support Dolby Atmos. Designed to work with systems as compact as four-channel audio configurations, SPHERA enables millions of existing vehicles on the road to upgrade to immersive audio, extending Dolby Atmos to a broader driver base without the need for a new vehicle purchase.
Dolby is further using CES to showcase the future of in-car entertainment through gaming and platform integrations. Developers such as SmashLabs, using Audiokinetic’s Wwise, are enabling immersive, multi-channel gaming experiences in Dolby Atmos-equipped vehicles. Additionally, Dolby and Qualcomm are demonstrating their latest collaboration, integrating Dolby’s automotive technologies into Qualcomm’s Gen 5 Snapdragon Automotive platform. This partnership provides OEMs with a reference framework for next-generation infotainment systems, incorporating Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Dolby AC-4—Dolby’s advanced audio codec that delivers high-quality streaming while reducing audio data costs for automakers by up to 60%.
Looking ahead, CES 2026 marks the start of a pivotal year for Dolby. As entertainment continues to evolve across screens, devices, and vehicles, Dolby remains focused on advancing technologies that align with changing audience expectations—delivering experiences that are more immersive, intuitive, and seamlessly connected across every environment.
