Spotify has announced a significant change that will affect iPhone users’ control over connected devices. Starting September 3rd, users will no longer be able to adjust the volume of Spotify on devices like speakers, game consoles, and smart TVs using their iPhone’s physical volume buttons.
This change is due to Apple’s decision to discontinue the technology that allowed Spotify to control volume on connected devices. As a result, iPhone users will now have to rely on the in-app volume slider to adjust the sound level.
Spotify has blamed Apple for this limitation, claiming that the company has not provided access to the same technology that allows Apple Music to play on third-party devices. This has led to “persistent, high-quality” volume control issues, including sudden volume spikes and other bugs.
The Sonos app has also experienced similar problems, preventing iPhone users from controlling device volume using physical buttons. Spotify has called on Apple to introduce a similar solution to what it offers users on HomePod and Apple TV for app developers who control non-Apple media devices.
While some third-party music services can stream directly from Apple’s HomePod, many major streamers, including Spotify, have not adopted the necessary API. This means that users have to rely on AirPlay to play songs from Spotify. However, a workaround in iOS 17 has made this process slightly easier by allowing users to ask Siri to start an AirPlay session.
Spotify’s ongoing dispute with Apple over what it can and cannot include in its iOS app has intensified. The company has accused Apple of “restricting interoperability,” a practice that could potentially violate the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
