Spotify has announced that iPhone users can no longer use the physical volume buttons to control the volume on connected devices through Spotify Connect. This change is due to Apple discontinuing the technology that enabled this feature. As a result, users must now adjust the volume using an in-app slider instead.
This update will officially roll out on September 3rd, but some users have already noticed the change. The decision affects only Spotify Connect, which allows users to control playback on devices like speakers, TVs, game consoles, and computers directly from the Spotify app over Bluetooth or WiFi. It does not impact Bluetooth or AirPlay connections and has no effect on Android users.
Spotify explained that when iPhone users press the physical volume buttons while using Spotify Connect, a notification will now appear in the app, prompting them to use the in-app volume slider. If the app is already open, the slider will pop up automatically. Although this change makes volume adjustments less convenient, Spotify believes it will provide “persistent, high-quality” volume control for connected devices.
The reason behind this change is that Apple has restricted access to the technology needed to control volume through physical buttons. According to Spotify, Apple requires apps to integrate with its HomePod to use this technology. Spotify stated in a support article, “Apple has discontinued the technology that enables Spotify to control volume for connected devices using the volume buttons on the device.” The company also mentioned that it is working with Apple to find a solution to restore the previous functionality.
Spotify Raises Concerns Over Apple’s Competitive Practices
Spotify has been at odds with Apple over various app functionalities and restrictions for some time. The company claims Apple is limiting interoperability with non-Apple devices, unlike other companies such as Google and Samsung. Spotify also pointed out that this issue might be a violation of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to prevent large tech companies, known as “gatekeepers,” from engaging in unfair practices.
While some music services, such as Pandora and YouTube Music, have integrated directly with Apple’s HomePod, Spotify has not adopted the necessary API for such integration. This means Spotify users must rely on AirPlay to stream music from their iPhones to HomePod. Recent updates in iOS 17 have made this process easier by allowing users to start AirPlay sessions using Siri.
Other Streaming Platforms Face Similar Issues
The issue isn’t limited to Spotify Connect. The Sonos app has also stopped allowing iPhone users to control volume on connected devices with physical buttons, citing similar reasons. Additionally, Spotify users had reported similar issues with Google Cast on iOS earlier this year, suggesting that this problem could affect multiple streaming platforms.
Spotify’s concerns about Apple’s practices have been ongoing. Recently, Spotify was allowed to display pricing information in its app in the EU after Apple faced a €1.8 billion ($1.95 billion) fine in March for restricting other music streaming apps in the App Store.
Featured Image courtesy of MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images
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