Starting September 3, users of Spotify in iPhone They will not be able to adjust the volume of connected devices using the physical buttons on the iPhone volume.
In a recent update on their support page, Spotify explained that Apple will “discontinue” the technology that allowed this functionality and forces iPhone owners to resort to a workaround that many users have described as inconvenient.
This change specifically affects Spotify Connecta feature that lets you control music on devices like speakers, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and nearby computers via your phone. Now, Users will need to use a slider within the app to adjust the volume. Although Spotify indicated that the adjustment will be effective from September 3, some users can already experience the new dynamics.
When you press the physical volume button on an iPhone, A notification will appear on the screen asking you to confirm the volume changeTherefore, users will have to tap on this notification to adjust the volume using the slider within the app.
Spotify will automatically display this slider if the app is open at the time of the interaction and is done in response to the lack of access to the technology that allows Apple Music to play on third-party devices, it argued. Spotify.
Nevertheless, Spotify He noted that because of this restriction, controlling volume via the physical button is “unstable” on connected devices, causing volume spikes and other errors during playback. The company says the change will allow for “persistent and high-quality” volume control.This situation is not unique, and the Sonos app has also stopped allowing volume adjustment via physical buttons on iPhones for similar reasons.
Conflicts vs. Apple
On the other hand, Spotify has asked Apple to implement a solution comparable to the one it offers to HomePod and Apple TV users for app developers who manage non-Apple media devices.. However, Apple responded and requires applications to integrate with HomePod to access technology and control volume on iPhones.
Although some third-party music services can stream directly from the HomePodmany streaming services including Spotifythey never adopted the necessary API for this. Users still have to use AirPlay to play music from Spotifyalthough iOS 17 simplified this process by allowing users to ask Siri start a session AirPlay.
Finally, Spotify is at odds with Apple over restrictions affecting its iOS apparguing that Apple “restricts interoperability” compared to companies like Google y Samsung.
The company suggested it could constitute a violation of the European Union Digital Markets Actforcing “digital guardians” such as Apple to open their platforms to third-party services.
