Spotify, the popular music streaming service, reports that iPhone users can no longer use the physical volume buttons to control the volume on connected devices, attributing the issue to Apple. The tech giant from Cupertino has discontinued the technology that allowed this functionality by altering how third-party companies can access iPhone hardware, specifically the volume buttons. Spotify has previously criticized Apple for not complying with EU laws regarding the App Store, and now it holds Apple responsible for this latest inconvenience.
While the iPhone’s physical volume buttons will still work as usual when using the Spotify app directly on iOS, this change impacts the Spotify Connect feature. This feature allows users to control Spotify playback on connected devices like smart TVs, game consoles, speakers, and more using their iPhone. With this change, the iPhone’s physical volume buttons can no longer control the volume on these connected devices.
As a result, iPhone users will now need to use the in-app slider to adjust the volume, which Spotify calls a “workaround.” When the volume rocker is pressed, Spotify will display a notification asking, “Want to change the volume?” Users need to tap the notification and then use the slider within the app to adjust the volume. If the app is already open, Spotify will automatically show the slider when the volume button is pressed. While this new method involves a few extra steps, Spotify assures users that it will provide “persistent, high-quality” volume control. This change will officially take effect on September 3, although some users are already experiencing it, according to Spotify.
Spotify attributes this change to Apple, stating that the tech giant does not provide access to the same technology that allows Apple Music to function on third-party devices. As a result, the iPhone’s physical volume buttons have become “unstable” for controlling connected devices, causing issues such as volume spikes during playback and other bugs. Additionally, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires Apple to offer third parties the same hardware and software capabilities that it uses for its own services. While Apple has been compelled to open up its platforms somewhat to third-party services, the outcome has not met expectations.
“We’ve requested that Apple provide a similar solution to what they offer users on HomePod and Apple TV for app developers controlling non-Apple media devices,” Spotify stated in the update. “However, Apple has informed us that apps must integrate with HomePod to access the technology that controls volume on iPhones.”
It’s important to note that Apple offers an API allowing third-party music services to stream directly to HomePods, but Spotify has never adopted this API. As a result, Spotify users can only stream music to HomePod using AirPlay. Fortunately, with iOS 17, starting an AirPlay session on HomePod using Siri has become easier.
Spotify and Apple have been in disputes for months over what Spotify is allowed to include in its iOS app. Given that Apple’s changes might violate the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), it remains to be seen whether Apple will make adjustments or face another lawsuit.
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