Porsche infotainment to get Dolby Atmos, native apps, voice assistants and more
Porsche’s latest infotainment system updates (known as the “PCM” or Porsche Communication Management system) is set to bring faster performance, voice control via Alexa and a significantly better sound experience with the addition of Dolby Atmos. Here’s what you’ll notice.
What is Porsche PCM?
Porsche is set to roll out a fairly major update to its in-car entertainment gear across four of its key models — the 911, all-electric Taycan, Panamera and Cayenne.
Unlike previous updates though, it’s more than changing some colours or moving a few apps around..
The latest Porsche Communication Management (PCM) includes:
- a new app centre for all your stuff;
- better voice assistant integration, and
- Dolby Atmos audio support.
What really makes this update interesting is that it quietly fixes some of the quality-of-life issues Porsche drivers have had with the PCM system for years.
What’s changing (and why it matters)
Faster hardware, smarter gear all round
The biggest shift is very Porsche. It’s all about speed.
Owners of recent Porsche models have noted online that while the driving experience is sharp, the infotainment can feel a half-step behind. The new PCM upgrade is designed to eliminate that, making the system feel as fast as the car is driving.
Porsche has given its PCM system a hardware boost, making the interface more responsive across the board. That sluggish menu lag and occasional screen stutter? Gone.
Better sound with Dolby Atmos
Sure, the engine note is sublime on your petrol-Porsches and the electrical whirring of the complicated gearbox on the Taycan makes it sound like a spaceship. But the soundstage inside the car is also about to improve. For Porsches with Bose or Burmester audio systems, the new PCM upgrades also adds support for Dolby Atmos.
Dolby Atmos is all about delivering sound that happens all around you. It’s also known as spatial, immersive audio, and now it’s coming to your car.
Porsche is calling it a “concert-hall-like experience”. While that may sound dramatic, it’s a welcome update for anyone who’s felt the in-car audio wasn’t as sweet as the engine note they were hearing.
It’s worth noting that you’ll need music that’s actually available in Dolby Atmos (which is increasingly common), but with the right app — easily accessible via the new App Centre — the experience steps up significantly.
Speaking of.
You get actual apps now!
The app experience is getting better
One of the more frustrating quirks of previous PCM versions was the lack of native app support.
With this update, Porsche introduces a new App Centre that works more like a smartphone or tablet app store. You’ll be able to install and use third-party apps directly in the car, without relying on your phone.
The lineup includes everything from music and video streaming to podcast players, weather apps, and even gaming and karaoke options. There’s also more practical stuff — like smart home controls, EV charging locations and route planning tools.
Alexa is now in your passenger seat
Another long-overdue upgrade? Porsche is now integrating Amazon Alexa into the PCM system. It joins the existing Porsche Voice Pilot, but unlike Porsche’s voice assistant — which has been for being a little clunky — Alexa is a known quantity that actually works.
You’ll be able to control smart home features, play music, set reminders, or just ask for the weather — all through a simple “Alexa” voice command or a dedicated button. It’s a move that adds proper voice functionality without relying on CarPlay or Android Auto.
Better support
And finally, to sweeten the deal, Porsche is bundling Porsche Connect as standard for 10 years with all new cars receiving the upgrade. That gives owners long-term access to vehicle remote services, navigation updates, and connected features that previously came with limited trial periods or subscription costs.
It’s a subtle shift, but it’s good to see a high-end performance manufacturer recognise that in-car software is almost as important to drivers as engine choice or trim specs these days.
