iPhone users have to use an in-app slider to change the volume of connected devices instead.
If you’re an iPhone user who loves Spotify Connect, there’s a change coming that might disrupt your usual listening experience. Spotify recently announced that iPhone users will no longer be able to control the volume on connected devices using the physical volume buttons on their phones. This change is set to take effect on September 3rd, but some users are already noticing the impact.
What’s Changing?
Spotify Connect, a feature that allows users to control Spotify on nearby speakers, game consoles, smart TVs, computers, and other devices from their phones, is at the center of this update. Previously, iPhone users could use their device’s physical volume buttons to adjust the volume on connected devices seamlessly. However, with the new update, those days are over.
Moving forward, iPhone users will need to rely on an in-app volume slider to adjust the volume. If you press the physical volume buttons while using Spotify Connect, a notification will pop up asking, “Want to change the volume?” Tapping this notification will bring up the volume slider within the app, where you can then adjust the volume as needed. If Spotify is already open, pressing the volume button will automatically display the slider.
Why the Change?
Spotify attributes this change to a decision made by Apple. According to Spotify, Apple has “discontinued” the technology that allowed iPhone users to control volume on connected devices using the physical buttons. This change, Spotify claims, was necessary because the technology had become increasingly unstable, leading to issues like sudden volume spikes during playback and other bugs. By moving to an in-app solution, Spotify says it can ensure a “persistent, high-quality” volume control experience.
This issue isn’t unique to Spotify. The Sonos app has also stopped allowing iPhone users to change the volume of their devices using physical buttons for similar reasons.
A Broader Dispute with Apple
Spotify’s announcement is just the latest chapter in an ongoing dispute with Apple. The streaming giant has been vocal about what it sees as Apple’s restrictive policies regarding third-party apps. Spotify says it has requested that Apple introduce a solution similar to what it offers for its own HomePod and Apple TV devices, which allows app developers to control non-Apple media devices with iPhones. However, Apple has reportedly responded that apps must integrate with HomePod to access this technology.
The Verge reached out to Apple for a comment, but there has been no immediate response.
The HomePod Conundrum
The change has highlighted a broader issue with Apple’s ecosystem. While some third-party music services have embraced Apple’s API to stream directly from the HomePod, many major streaming platforms, including Spotify, have not. As a result, iPhone users are left with the less convenient option of using AirPlay to play music from Spotify on their HomePod.
However, there’s a bit of good news for iPhone users: iOS 17 introduced a workaround that allows users to ask Siri to start an AirPlay session, making the process slightly more user-friendly.
What’s Next?
Spotify’s struggle with Apple over these restrictions may have broader implications. The company has hinted that Apple’s actions could be in violation of the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which requires “digital gatekeepers” like Apple to open up their platforms to third-party services. This ongoing battle may lead to further developments that could impact how iPhone users interact with Spotify and other third-party apps.
Final Thoughts
As these changes roll out, iPhone users who rely on Spotify Connect may need to adjust to a new way of controlling their music. While the in-app slider is designed to provide a more stable experience, it may not be as convenient as using the physical volume buttons. For now, the best course of action is to stay informed and explore alternative options for controlling your Spotify experience.
Stay tuned for any further updates as Spotify continues to navigate its complex relationship with Apple.
