February 23, 2016 - 15:40 AMT
Volvo to add phone-free Spotify to its cars

Volvo will natively integrate Spotify into its cars, beginning with the XC90, S90, and V90 this spring, the Swedish automaker announced during Mobile World Congress, the Verge reports.

Volvo says it worked closely with the streaming service to build the app, which includes handwriting recognition, a wider interface for easier song selections, and Spotify Connect, which can allow passengers to control the music.

But if you've been using Spotify's free service and plan on picking up a new Volvo this year, it's time to move up to the paid version of the streaming service — only Spotify Premium will allow you to access the integrated app. (You can still use an aux cord or Bluetooth to stream music from your phone if you don't want to shell out the $10 a month.)

Spotify does support Apple's CarPlay which is available on newer Volvo models, but it also requires your iPhone to be plugged in, making the native app the only smartphone-free option. Volvo says its Spotify app will be available in any country that the service currently operates in.