Spotify is currently under fire for its decision to phase out Car Thing, its automotive streaming accessory, a decision made public in May. From December 9, 2024, the gadget will cease to function, as confirmed by the company. Discontent among Gen Z users on TikTok is noticeable, as they share videos voicing their displeasure regarding Spotify’s suggestion to migrate to alternatives like Android Auto or CarPlay. Many point out that their vehicles lacked pre-installed entertainment systems, spotlighting their reliance on a specialized device like Car Thing.
The device, which made its debut in February 2022 and saw its production end within the same year, was not on the market long enough to be considered outdated. Despite its discontinuation, Spotify assured that it would remain functional for existing owners. Daniel Ek, Spotify’s CEO, had previously indicated significant consumer interest in Car Thing, revealing on an earnings call that over 2 million individuals had joined a waitlist ahead of its launch, eager for its release.
Exact sales figures for Car Thing were never disclosed by Spotify, but it’s plausible that the device either did not meet sales expectations or was deemed a non-viable investment in the current economic climate. Notably, the economic downturn led to Spotify cutting approximately 1,500 jobs in recent months, following previous layoffs affecting hundreds.
However, Car Thing owners are less concerned about Spotify’s financial situation and more interested in ensuring their device continues to work or receiving a refund for the $90 investment.
In an attempt to address this, some users have resorted to reaching out to Spotify directly through DMs on X at @SpotifyCares or via various Spotify support emails circulated on Reddit. This has led to mixed responses, with a few users being offered extended Premium subscriptions as compensation, while others report being denied any form of reimbursement.
Responding to the situation, Spotify informed TechCrunch that it has now initiated a refund policy for Car Thing customers who can provide proof of purchase.
This update was communicated to Car Thing users in a follow-up email last Friday, in response to the growing backlash. This communication provides details on how to contact customer support, though it does not guarantee refunds but encourages users to reach out with inquiries.
Despite the refund offer, a segment of the customer base continues to appeal to Spotify through TikTok videos and comments on the platform’s posts, pleading for their device not to be made obsolete. Indeed, such is the volume of complaints that TikTok’s suggested searches on some Spotify-related videos include inquiries about what Car Thing is.
Carla, posting under the username @carlititica on TikTok, exemplifies this sentiment, pleading, “SPOTIFY PLEASE SPARE ME 😭😭😭 I LOVE MY CAR THING.” Meanwhile, another user, @nikkilovestech, refers to the situation as “Sad,” criticizing Spotify’s push toward using phones as a distraction and lamenting the environmental waste from discontinuing a fully functional product.
The saga of Car Thing’s discontinuation continues, especially with Spotify now confronting a class action lawsuit for misleading consumers about the longevity of Car Thing and failing to offer refunds, as detailed by Billboard. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on May 28.
Spotify has refrained from commenting on the ongoing lawsuit but has made a statement regarding Car Thing’s discontinuation:
Our venture with Car Thing in the U.S. aimed to gather insights on in-car listening habits. With the announcement in July 2022 to halt production, the phase-out of these devices is now imminent, with a deactivation deadline set for December 9, 2024. For alternative ways to enjoy Spotify in your vehicle, visit For The Record or contact Customer Support for further assistance.
The debate over Car Thing adds to a wider discontent among Spotify users, who are already expressing frustration over being charged for previously free features, like lyric access. Additionally, with a previous price hike and further increases announced for 2024, some users are considering abandoning Spotify altogether.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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