Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. has launched SPHERA, described as the world’s first aftermarket Spatial Audio in-dash receiver capable of Dolby Atmos playback through Apple CarPlay, bringing immersive audio to millions of existing vehicles.
Previously, in-vehicle Dolby Atmos experiences were limited to factory-equipped systems. SPHERA changes that by enabling drivers to access Dolby Atmos content from popular streaming services, enhancing music, audiobooks, and podcasts with greater depth, clarity, and detail using a vehicle’s existing speakers.
Building on a prototype demonstrated at last year’s CES, SPHERA represents Pioneer’s latest innovation in car audio.
“For over 80 years, Pioneer has achieved many technological ‘firsts’—from the world’s first car CD player to the first aftermarket CarPlay integration,” said Chris Ono, CEO & Chairman of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “SPHERA is the next bold chapter in that legacy. Guided by our corporate mission, ‘Move the Heart and Touch the Soul’, we developed a product that brings the rich, detailed sound of Dolby Atmos that moves the soul, to a solution that can be installed in many vehicles on the road today. With SPHERA, we are expanding access to immersive sound, allowing more drivers than ever to enjoy music with the clarity and emotion its creators intended.”
The receiver features an optimized 4-channel solution powered by Dolby technology, delivering a rich Dolby Atmos experience through front and rear speakers without requiring additional hardware.
SPHERA also incorporates Pioneer’s PURE Autotuning technology, which automatically calibrates time alignment, frequency response, and channel levels to accommodate varying vehicle acoustics, ensuring optimal performance and fidelity to the original content.
The unit includes a 10.1-inch HD capacitive display with Pioneer’s Quick Swipe interface and split-screen mode for intuitive control. Additional features include an integrated Luminous Bar with Enhanced Visual Mode for navigation and Music Synchronization Mode, along with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Its design supports universal aftermarket installation in a wide range of vehicles.
MacDailyNews Note: SPHERA will be available in Spring 2026 through authorized retailers such as Best Buy and Crutchfield, with pricing starting at $1,300.
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Sweet. Because anyone buying a GM piece of crap is gonna need to cover over their infotainment screen with this bad boy and get some CarPlay going.
I see many Honda Prologue’s on the street vs Chevy Blazers… Same EV, just Honda re-skinned.
Difference? Yah, the Honda has CarPlay the GM Blazer does not – and GM is actively working to ensure software updates block all 3rd party CarPlay solutions.
Thanks GM for helping the customer you buffoons!
My first reaction was, “Yay! finally a name-brand OEM making a CarPlay head unit.”
Then I saw the price: “…with pricing starting at $1,300.”
Does Pioneer really think many people who can afford a $1300 third party add-on, won’t just go ahead and buy a car which already includes CarPlay?
Unless you’re refurbing a classic car (or something), and price is no object, I don’t see much of a market for this, especially because there are dozens of cheap no-name CarPlay head units ($100-200) on Amazon which work quite well. I know because I have one in my 2014 Toyota. Even has wireless CarPlay, works very well, cost less than $100.