Spotify Blames Apple for Loss of iPhone Volume Button Control of Connected Devices

[MacRumors]

Spotify says users on iPhone will no longer be able to control the volume of connected devices using their physical volume buttons after Apple "discontinued" the technology that enables the functionality. The change impacts Spotify Connect, a feature that allows users to control Spotify playback on various devices like speakers, game consoles, and smart TVs.

The streaming giant claims that the previous method had become unstable, leading to issues such as volume spikes during playback. As a result, iPhone users will now have to resort to an in-app slider to adjust volume, a change that Spotify is calling a "workaround," reports The Verge.

To use the new volume control, iPhone owners will need to tap a notification that appears when they press the physical volume buttons. This notification will prompt them to use the in-app slider. Spotify claims that the new solution will provide "persistent, high-quality" volume control, despite the extra steps involved for users. The change is set to take effect on September 3, but some users are reportedly already seeing it.

Spotify claims that Apple is refusing to grant access to the same technology that allows Apple Music to play on third-party devices. In a continuation of long-held tensions between the two companies, the streaming service has gone as far as suggesting that this could violate the EU's Digital Markets Act, which requires major platforms to open up to third-party services.

"We've made requests to Apple to introduce a similar solution to what they offer users on HomePod and Apple TV for app developers who control non-Apple media devices," Spotify said in its update. "Apple has told us that they require apps to integrate into HomePod in order to access the technology that controls volume on iPhones."

Spotify's volume control workaround for Spotify Connect​

Apple actually offers an API for third-party music services to stream directly to HomePods, but for whatever reason Spotify has chosen not to implement it. Fortunately, iPhone users running iOS 17 can still start an AirPlay session on HomePod using a Siri command (e.g. "Siri, play Fleetwood Mac on Spotify"). It's worth noting that this change only affects Spotify Connect on iOS. Spotify users controlling volume via Bluetooth or AirPlay will not be impacted.

Article Link: Spotify Blames Apple for Loss of iPhone Volume Button Control of Connected Devices

 

[contacos]

Spotify Connect is one of the main reasons I am still choosing Spotify over Apple Music to be honest. It is just super convenient to navigate the App on one device, to control the music on another device.

Last time I tried this on Apple Music, all I got was something like "looks like you are already playing music on another device, do you want to switch to this device?". Lame

Wonder if this issue is related to my volume on Echo devices always going down when I start navigating Spotify from my iPhone (which is set to a lower volume) and when I try to change the volume on the Echo, it would keep switching back to the lower volume of the phone.

 

[omglolbbq]

"Apple has told us that they require apps to integrate into HomePod in order to access the technology that controls volume on iPhones."

So integrate it then? It’s not like there is a shortage of users requesting it.

 

[Egregius]

I like this! A slider will be more convenient than the volume buttons that are hit by accident.

 

[appleuser21]

"Apple has told us that they require apps to integrate into HomePod in order to access the technology that controls volume on iPhones."

Well, do that then.

I'm so tired of Spotify ignoring Apple (and their own) devices. They refuse to update the ancient Mac icon, they refuse to update the ancient Apple TV app even though they have great apps for other streaming devices, they bricked their own devices and of course they've ruined their own algorithm.

I've switched to Apple Music because their apps suck now and I'm sick of listening to the same songs again and again and again AND AGAIN. They ruin everything they touch and blame others.

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

Another thing Apple will end up walking back, in the EU at least.

 

[grantishere]

Womp womp. If you want control of how people can use your app, make your own smartphones

 

[johannnn]

Ah the weekly "everything is Apple's fault" by Spotify/Epic.

 

[koelsh]

Feels like Spotify manufactures things to complain about so they can keep themselves in the news for the free advertising.

 

[L92]

So integrate it then? It’s not like there is a shortage of users requesting it.

I'm pretty sure Spotify has some kind of nasty deal with Amazon and/or Google which prohibits them from integrating to the Homepods.

 

[MakeAppleAwesomeAgain]

I don't care whose fault it is, but it's super annoying. Not so happy with my Sonos setup lately.

 

[StoneJack]

Aren‘t they bankrupt yet?

 

[breenmask]

then maybe Spotify should build their own device/platform.

oh? what's that? you don't want to invest billions into R&D like Apple did? then play by Apple's rules.

 

[TonnyM]

‘Apple actually offers an API for third-party music services to stream directly to HomePods, but for whatever reason Spotify has chosen not to implement it.’
No surprise here. Spotify purposefully fires up the conflict with Apple.

 

[cjsuk]

Aren‘t they bankrupt yet?

Any normal person making those losses would be bankrupt years ago. I have no idea how they are still running.

 

[ozaz]

Apple actually offers an API for third-party music services to stream directly to HomePods, but for whatever reason Spotify has chosen not to implement it.

Because they want a solution that allows them to provide a good experience with more speakers than just HomePods I suppose. A big strength of Spotify Connect has always been that it works with a wide range of devices.

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

Any normal person making those losses would be bankrupt years ago. I have no idea how they are still running.

Yeah seems that way

Spotify Gross Profits Top $1B, Revenues Jump 20% in Quarterly Earnings

In Spotify Q1 2024 earnings, revenues were up 20% as paid users reach 239 million. Spotify was profitable with $181 million in operating income.

www.billboard.com

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Not mentioned here, but the Sonos app is doing the same thing, and for the same reasons.

 

[MilaM]

Apple should fix this. I use Spotify to stream to a 30 year old stereo connected to a Raspberry Pi. I don't want a Homepod that is going to be obsolete in 5 years, thank you very much.

 

[cjsuk]

Yeah seems that way

Spotify Gross Profits Top $1B, Revenues Jump 20% in Quarterly Earnings

In Spotify Q1 2024 earnings, revenues were up 20% as paid users reach 239 million. Spotify was profitable with $181 million in operating income.

www.billboard.com

Yay we made $181 million because we write down our tax contributions until later in the year.

Conveniently sweeping the $500 million loss in 2023 under the carpet.

The investors want money back. And they’re going to get it.

 

[apocalyarts]

Pfff, implement AirPlay 2 and stop complaining Spotify.

 

[MilaM]

Pfff, implement AirPlay 2 and stop complaining Spotify.

Reasonable. But only if Apple makes Air Play an open standard. Until then, it remains a niche protocol that is not very well-supported on third-party hardware like TVs and smart speakers.

 

[dumastudetto]

then maybe Spotify should build their own device/platform.

oh? what's that? you don't want to invest billions into R&D like Apple did? then play by Apple's rules.

I agree. It would be a good thing if Spotify left the platform. Nobody cares.

Apple should keep chipping away making their app experience a little less useful. Its driving more and more people to adopt the best experience - Apple Music.

 

[Abazigal]

For someone who complains a lot about the things Apple doesn’t let them do, Spotify sure likes to drag its feet on implementing the features which are available on iOS.

 

[Lyrics23]

Don’t use your dominant market position in one market to disadvantage others competing against you in another market.

It’s not complicated, Apple.