The ongoing dispute between Spotify and Apple is causing significant inconvenience for iPhone users. Spotify has accused Apple of limiting its ability to control the volume of connected devices using the iPhone’s volume buttons, forcing users to adjust the volume on external devices.
Spotify, in an update to its support page, has said that Apple has discontinued the technology that enables Spotify to control volume for connected devices using the volume buttons on the device.
The issue revolves around the fact that when Spotify is used on an iPhone and connected to a speaker or headphones, users now have to adjust the volume through an in-app volume slider which appears when you press the physical volume rocker button in the iPhone. Spotify is calling this a “workaround.”
Spotify is blaming Apple for recent issues with volume control on iPhones, alleging that the company is restricting access to the technology that allows Apple Music to play smoothly on third-party devices. According to Spotify, this limitation has made using the iPhone’s physical volume toggle “unstable” for connected devices, leading to problems such as unexpected volume spikes during playback.
Spotify claims that the change has negatively impacted volume control, resulting in “persistent, high-quality” issues. In an update, Spotify explained that it has requested Apple to introduce a similar solution to what it offers to users on HomePod and Apple TV for app developers who control non-Apple media devices. “Apple has told us that they require apps to integrate into Home Pod in order to access the technology that controls volume on iPhones.”
Spotify’s allegations come at a time when there is increasing scrutiny of Apple’s practices in the app ecosystem. The company has faced criticism for its App Store fees and for its alleged anti-competitive behaviour. Spotify’s accusations add to this growing list of concerns. The dispute also highlights the challenges faced by third-party app developers in the Apple ecosystem. Many developers have complained about Apple’s App Store policies and the company’s control over the user experience.
Apple has not yet responded to Spotify’s allegations. However, the issue is likely to escalate as both companies continue to compete for market share in the music streaming industry.
