Retro Spectrum

Retro Spectrum

Car & Desk Music Visualizer

8 ratings
2 reviews
Free
In-App Purchases

Details

Released
June 25, 2026
Updated
October 27, 2026

Features

Retro Spectrum screenshot #1 for iPhone
Retro Spectrum screenshot #2 for iPhone
Retro Spectrum screenshot #3 for iPhone
Retro Spectrum screenshot #4 for iPhone
Retro Spectrum screenshot #5 for iPhone
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About

Transform your phone into a retro audio visualizer for your car or desk. It analyzes sound from your speakers in real-time, displaying dynamic visuals inspired by classic 80s-90s car stereos. Enjoy multiple retro skins and track identification for a unique audio-visual experience.

✓Real-time spectrum analyzer
✓Retro 80s-90s car stereo style
✓Listens via microphone to any speaker source
✓Multiple retro skin options
✓Now Playing song identification
✓Desk mode with clock and date
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What's New in Retro Spectrum

1.3.0

October 27, 2026

This update adds two new skins: Rezonance and Rezolution. They estimate the genre from what the mic hears, and when Shazam identifies the song, they use that too to shape the show. The changes are subtle, so at first glance you may not notice what's changing or how. That's the point. But no two shows are ever the same. Just put on some music and enjoy the scenery quietly shifting around you. Rezonance came together pretty smoothly. It's pure, deep chill. Perfect for the long drive home. Rezolution, on the other hand, fought me every step of the way. It's the main reason this update is late. So I went all in on the drama. Don't fly too fast! Each skin has genres it clearly loves. Of course, play whatever you like. Try different tracks and find your favorite match. Both come together in the Motion Pack. Pricey? Think of it as buying me a beer. These skins trade a bit of everyday coziness for spectacle. Honestly, older devices may struggle. Even my test phone (iPhone 17) gets seriously hot after a few minutes. I've refactored to hold 30fps, and I'll keep shipping updates to make them lighter. CarPlay support is the request I hear most, from all over the world. Really. I'd love to add it, but CarPlay apps face strict review and feature limits, so it's a long road. Thanks for your patience. You can now switch the clock to 12-hour time with AM/PM. Another feature you asked for. If a request isn't technically hard, it usually ships fast. Keep them coming!

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Subscriptions & In-App Purchases

$2.99

Motion Pack

Unlock Rezonance and Rezolution, music-driven skins.

User reviews

Landscape stopped working

App is great, landscape mode stopped working :/

Good app, but has potential to be Great

I’m looking so desperately for an app that displays what this app does but on my actual carplay display. Maybe someday they’ll update it so it actually displays on the car screen

Developer apps

FAQ

Does Retro Spectrum have ads?

Retro Spectrum does not contain advertisements. The app is free to download and use with the VFD Green skin. Additional skins can be unlocked via a one-time in-app purchase.

How does Retro Spectrum identify songs?

For Apple Music, Retro Spectrum directly reads the song title, artist, and artwork from the system. For all other audio sources, it uses Shazam technology to identify the track playing through your speakers.

What devices does Retro Spectrum support?

Retro Spectrum is currently supported on iPhone. The app is designed to be used with iOS devices.

How often is Retro Spectrum updated?

The latest version of Retro Spectrum is 1.2.0, which was last updated on August 17, 2026. Updates typically include new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.

What is the age rating for Retro Spectrum?

Retro Spectrum has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for most users and does not contain content that would be considered inappropriate for young children.

Can Retro Spectrum be used with headphones?

No, Retro Spectrum is designed to respond to sound from your device's speakers, not headphones or earphones. For optimal performance, point your phone towards your speakers and ensure the volume is turned up.

What are the different Retro Spectrum skins?

Retro Spectrum offers several skins including VFD Green (free), Plasma Orange, JDM Night, Bubble Grid, Wireframe LCD, and Gaming RGB. These skins are inspired by classic car stereo displays.

Is my microphone data safe with Retro Spectrum?

Yes, your privacy is protected. Microphone audio is analyzed on your device and is never recorded or saved. Song recognition features can also be turned off at any time.