Waze and Spotify today announced that an update previously launched on Android smartphones is now making its way to iOS devices, bringing Spotify music playback controls right into Waze's crowd-sourced navigation app. Conversely, you'll also be able to start Waze's GPS navigation from within the Spotify iOS app.

As long as the two apps are installed and you agree to link both accounts together, you'll gain access to a subset of Spotify controls in Waze. At the top of the navigation screen there will be a small Spotify icon, which you can tap to access playback controls, change playlists, and jump directly to Spotify.

waze spotify update
Waze said that safety remains a priority with today's update, encouraging drivers to keep their iPhone docked with the app open nearby to focus on the road. Both Waze and Spotify mentioned that the new integration should help further combat distracted driving, thanks to a few streamlined features that reduce the need to toggle between multiple apps. These include automatic music playback when Waze navigation begins, only letting you browse playlists when the car is stopped, and more.

Finlay Clark, UK head of Waze, says: “We are delighted to team up with Spotify to create a new function that allows iOS Wazers to enjoy their favourite music, while being re-routed around traffic in real- time.

“Safety is our priority at Waze. By discouraging drivers from tapping their device to switch between apps while on the move, we believe this partnership presents a valuable way for drivers in the UK to use their favourite technologies whilst concentrating fully on the road ahead.”

Although the announcement came out of Waze's United Kingdom office, the company confirmed that its integration with Spotify is beginning to roll out globally today in markets that support both apps.

Spotify animation for PR 1
Both Waze and Spotify are available to download on the iOS App Store for free.

Tags: Spotify, Waze

Top Rated Comments

zombierunner Avatar
99 months ago
can you get waze on carplay?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
xizdun Avatar
99 months ago
How about Waze and Google Play Music, since they're part of the same company? :o
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kklaus Avatar
99 months ago
Too bad I just left Spotify for Apple Music. Actually never used in app audio controls anyway- and thought Siri would be better at controlling music. Usually just wind up yelling at her in frustration after the third try fails...but I do love Waze! Wish they had more customization options for the display. (Map styles)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarpalMac Avatar
99 months ago
I love using Waze, apart from the adverts which often block out the upcoming junction I am about to have to navigate once the lights change - but they really need to keep a lid on the interaction distractions, just like this sort of thing.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Born Again Avatar
99 months ago
Love Waze

Wish apple would let us default to it
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Fofer Avatar
99 months ago
Apple letting you use Waze or any other third party navigation app would be a huge improvement.
Apple would let them, if only they'd make their app CarPlay-compatible. Like Spotify, Pandora, Audible, Overcast, and Castro have... (all of which also compete with Apple's own apps and services.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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