Shanghai, China — December 2, 2025 — QNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited, has secured a major design win with one of China’s leading automakers, which will deploy QNX® Sound across its next-generation luxury electric vehicle lineup set for launch in 2026. The announcement marks an important milestone for the company’s software-defined audio platform, which recently earned the “Product of the Year” award at the 2025 International Sound Awards.
This partnership underscores the growing demand for scalable, high-performance in-vehicle audio solutions that reduce hardware complexity and improve development efficiency.
QNX Sound: A Software-Defined Approach to Automotive Audio
QNX Sound is a digital audio platform built for software-defined vehicles. It separates audio and acoustics processing from hardware, allowing automakers to integrate key audio functions—including media playback, alerts, noise control, and voice processing—into one centralized system.
This architecture enables:
- Streamlined audio development
- Reduced reliance on specialized hardware
- Faster time-to-market
- Lower long-term engineering costs
Independent Analysis Highlights Major Cost and Efficiency Benefits
A new study conducted by Munro & Associates, a leading engineering consultancy, confirms the substantial advantages of QNX Sound for automotive manufacturers. The analysis found that the platform can deliver significant cost and engineering improvements, including:
Cost Savings
- Savings of $21 per vehicle for mass-market models
- Savings of up to $98 per vehicle for premium models
Hardware and Design Efficiency
- Reduction of up to 44% in printed circuit board (PCB) surface area, enabling smaller and simpler hardware
- Weight reduction of up to 28%, improving energy efficiency and extending EV range
By removing traditional DSPs and simplifying amplifier designs, QNX enables automakers to reduce component counts, consolidate hardware across vehicle lines, and benefit from manufacturing efficiencies.
Sandy Munro, CEO of Munro & Associates, emphasized the strategic benefits:
"Our analysis shows that QNX Sound is more than a technology upgrade; it is a strategic advantage. By centralizing audio processing and eliminating legacy components, automakers can significantly reduce cost, weight, and complexity."
Strengthening QNX’s Footprint in the Global EV Market
China remains the world’s most competitive and innovative EV market, making the new partnership particularly significant for QNX.
William Dong, Chief Representative of Greater China at QNX, stated:
"China's EV market is setting the pace for global innovation, and we are proud to contribute to that progress. This win reinforces QNX’s role as a key enabler for automakers seeking scalable, software-defined solutions that deliver premium in-cabin experiences efficiently and cost effectively."
QNX: A Foundation for the Software-Defined Vehicle Future
As global demand for software-defined vehicles grows, QNX continues to play an essential role as a trusted provider of safe, secure, and reliable foundational software. The company’s technologies support advanced engineering design across digital cockpits, ADAS systems, infotainment platforms, and domain controllers.
QNX software is used by major global OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, including BMW, Bosch, Continental, Dongfeng Motor, Geely, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
With a long-standing reputation for safety, reliability, and mission-critical performance, QNX remains at the forefront of enabling the next generation of intelligent, software-driven vehicles.