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Pioneer Launches SPHERA, the World’s First Aftermarket Spatial Audio In-Dash Receiver to Feature Dolby Atmos Playback in Apple CarPlay®

Experience the breakthrough aftermarket solution bringing immersive Dolby Atmos sound to vehicles already on the road, showcased at CES

LAS VEGAS - (Jan. 5, 2026) - Building on decades of audio innovation, Pioneer, a global leader in in-vehicle sound and aftermarket car electronics, introduces SPHERA, the world’s first aftermarket spatial audio in-dash receiver to feature Dolby Atmos® playback in Apple CarPlay. To date, in-vehicle Dolby Atmos has been available only in models equipped with Dolby Atmos-enabled sound systems. With SPHERA, Pioneer expands access to Dolby Atmos through an aftermarket solution that can be installed in millions of existing vehicles, delivering an immersive sound experience leveraging speakers already in the vehicle. 

Following last year’s CES prototype demonstration of in-vehicle spatial audio, Pioneer now brings that vision to life with SPHERA, an Apple CarPlay in-dash receiver featuring Dolby Atmos playback capability. With SPHERA, drivers can stream their favorite music, audiobooks, and podcasts in Dolby Atmos from many popular streaming services* for a richer in-car entertainment experience with added depth, clarity, and detail.

"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."

OPTIMIZED 4-CHANNEL SOLUTION
Pioneer’s SPHERA features technology from Dolby that enables a rich Dolby Atmos experience delivered over 4-channels. SPHERA leverages a vehicle’s existing front and rear speaker locations to create a rich, immersive listening experience powered by Dolby Atmos. The combination of Dolby Atmos playback technology and Pioneer processing precisely manages sound reproduction to provide a practical, installation-ready upgrade path and the ability to add a spatial audio experience in many consumers’ existing vehicles.

POWERED BY PURE AUTOTUNING TECHNOLOGY
SPHERA integrates Pioneer’s PURE Autotuning technology, a proprietary in-vehicle calibration system engineered specifically for the acoustic challenges of the automobile interior. Vehicle cabins vary widely in size, shape, and materials, and aftermarket upgrades can further influence acoustical variables. To account for and adapt to these differences, PURE Autotuning technology precisely adjusts time alignment, frequency response, and channel levels to optimize performance and place the listener at the acoustical center position. This level of accuracy is essential for delivering a Dolby Atmos experience that is true to the creative intent of musicians and content creators.

MODERN INTERFACE AND INSTALLATION-READY DESIGN
SPHERA pairs its audio innovations with a refined hardware and interface platform engineered for real-world automotive use. A vibrant 10.1” HD capacitive display delivers crisp visibility and responsive control, supported by Pioneer’s Quick Swipe interface for fast, intuitive adjustments on the road. Leveraging the large screen size, a split-screen mode reserves a portion of the screen for easy access to key features and controls. The integrated Pioneer Luminous Bar adds a subtle visual signature to the dash, featuring an Enhanced Visual Mode for navigation support and Music Synchronization Mode to sync lighting with your audio. Wireless connectivity keeps the experience streamlined through wireless CarPlay, wireless Android Auto™, and Bluetooth®. Designed for universal aftermarket installation, SPHERA fits a wide variety of vehicles with minimal modification, ensuring that immersive audio reaches drivers without an overly complicated upgrade process.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Launching at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, SPHERA will be showcased at Pepcom at Paris Las Vegas as well as Pioneer’s booth located in LVCC, West Hall — 3527, where on-site demos will be available. 

Pioneer SPHERA will be available in Spring 2026 through Pioneer’s network of authorized retailers, both in-store and online, including Best Buy, Crutchfield, and others. Pricing will begin at $1,300. 

For more information about Pioneer SPHERA, as well as other products launched at CES 2026, go to usa.pioneer.

ABOUT PIONEER
Pioneer is a leading global manufacturer that has been developing an array of world-first products and services since its inception in 1938 based on its corporate mission of “Move the Heart and Touch the Soul.” Through our core car electronics business, we propose new and unique value by providing products and services that realize comfort, excitement, safety and security in vehicle interiors, utilizing unique and innovative ideas combined with cutting-edge technologies. We have formulated the goal of "Creating the Future of Mobility Experiences" as our new corporate vision and are committed to transforming into a solution company that uses products and services to solve the myriad challenges of the mobility field.

*Streaming of Dolby Atmos content may require a paid subscription.

Pioneer and the Pioneer logo are registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation.
Apple, CarPlay, and iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Dolby and Dolby Atmos are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG.

MEDIA CONTACT
Max Borges Agency for Pioneer
Kyra Kuchenbrod
Kyrakuchenbrod@maxborgesagency.com

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