Spotify, the popular streaming service from Sweden, has recently announced a glaring change that will affect the way iPhone users control volume for connected devices.
As of Sept. 3, users will no longer be able to use their physical volume buttons to adjust the volume of devices connected through Spotify Connect. This change, according to Spotify, is a result of Apple discontinuing the underlying technology that enabled this functionality.
The Impact of Spotify Connect
Soon, iPhone users won't be able to use the physical volume buttons anymore following Spotify's claim that Apple had discontinued the technology operating it. (Photo : sgcdesignco from Unsplash)
Spotify Connect is a valuable feature that allows users to seamlessly control Spotify playback on various devices, including speakers, game consoles, and smart TVs. By using their phone as a remote, users can easily adjust volume, skip tracks, and pause or resume playback. However, the recent changes will disrupt this convenient experience for iPhone users.
According to MacRumors, Spotify claims that the previous volume control method had become unstable, leading to issues such as sudden volume spikes during playback.
To address these problems, the company has decided to implement a new solution that relies on an in-app slider for volume control. While this may require additional steps for users, Spotify asserts that the new method will provide more consistent and reliable volume control.
A Workaround for iPhone Users
To use the new volume control, iPhone owners will need to tap a notification that appears when they press their physical volume buttons. This notification will prompt them to use the in-app slider to adjust the volume.
Spotify emphasizes that this is a temporary workaround and that the company is committed to finding a more seamless solution in the future.
A Clash of Tech Titans
The dispute between Spotify and Apple over volume control highlights the ongoing tensions between these two tech giants.
Spotify alleges that the Cupertino giant is refusing to grant access to the same technology that allows Apple Music to play on third-party devices. This move, according to Spotify, could be a violation of the EU's Digital Markets Act, which requires large platforms to open up to third-party services.
Alternative Solutions for iPhone Users
While the new volume control method may be inconvenient for some iPhone users, there are alternative options available. Users can still control volume via Bluetooth or AirPlay, and those running iOS 17 can use Siri commands to start an AirPlay session on HomePod. However, these workarounds may not be as convenient as the previous method.
In mid-August, Spotify was given the green light to display pricing data in the iOS app in the EU region, according to MobileNApps.
For those who noticed that Spotify Shuffle isn't shuffling, this has become common as some users said on Reddit. According to Android Authority, the app played the same 20 tracks when he tried to shuffle a playlist containing 10,000 songs.
