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

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.

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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."

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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.

Tag: Spotify

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Top Rated Comments

johannnn Avatar
9 months ago
Ah the weekly "everything is Apple's fault" by Spotify/Epic.
Score: 58 Votes (Like | Disagree)
omglolbbq Avatar
9 months ago

"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.
Score: 54 Votes (Like | Disagree)
appleuser21 Avatar
9 months ago

"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.
Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree)
koelsh Avatar
9 months ago
Feels like Spotify manufactures things to complain about so they can keep themselves in the news for the free advertising.
Score: 45 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TonnyM Avatar
9 months ago
‘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.
Score: 41 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Abazigal Avatar
9 months ago
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.
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)