Automotive CD players are discontinued in new cars due to the rise of digital streaming (Spotify, Apple Music) and smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto), making physical discs obsolete for most drivers seeking vast, convenient music access via Bluetooth or USB, a shift that freed up space for advanced infotainment systems and reduced manufacturing costs for automakers. While some models offered them into the mid-2020s (like Subaru's last few), by late 2024, major manufacturers ceased production, marking the end of an era for the in-car entertainment staple.

Why They Were Discontinued

Technological Shift: Smartphones and tablets became primary music sources, rendering CDs redundant for many.

Streaming Dominance: Services like Spotify and Apple Music offer endless content, replacing physical media.

Smartphone Integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provide seamless access to digital music libraries through the car's screen.

Space & Cost Savings: Removing the disc drive allows for cleaner dashboard designs, less weight, and lower production costs.

Declining Demand: Consumer preference for digital convenience led to low demand for CD players as a "must-have" feature.

When It Happened

Major automakers began phasing them out in the early 2010s, with some models dropping them around 2014.

By 2022, GM had removed them from most passenger vehicles.

Subaru was one of the last brands, removing CD players from models like the Forester by late 2024, making them essentially extinct in new cars.