Spotify has recently updated its support page to announce that Apple has discontinued the ability for users to control the volume of Spotify through their iPhone’s physical volume buttons when connected via Spotify Connect. This change affects users who are streaming to smart home speakers and similar devices. However, it’s important to note that this alteration does not impact volume control during Bluetooth or AirPlay sessions.
According to Spotify’s subtle update, Apple has removed the technology that allowed iOS users to adjust the volume directly with their iPhone’s hardware buttons while using Spotify Connect. Spotify has acknowledged this shift and mentioned that they are working with Apple to find a resolution. In the interim, users will need to use a new volume slider feature within the Spotify app itself.
When using the app, pressing the volume buttons now brings up an on-screen volume slider for adjustments. If the app is not actively open and running in the foreground, users will need first to press a volume button to receive a notification saying, “Want to change the volume?” After tapping on this notification, the volume slider can then be adjusted.
This change has caused some concern among users who frequently utilize Spotify Connect, especially in social settings. Personally, I find it inconvenient as I often use Spotify Connect to stream music from my iPhone to a Fire Stick-enabled non-Smart TV. The physical volume control on my iPhone was a handy feature, and the thought of swiping through a slider instead seems cumbersome. I might resort to using the Fire Stick remote for volume adjustments during future gatherings.
Despite the official rollout of this change being scheduled for September 3, some users have reported encountering this issue as early as three months ago. An upset Reddit thread reflects frustration from users who are displeased with having to interact with a screen to change the volume on devices like Alexa, preferring the ease of adjusting settings directly from their phones.
The timing of this change has led some to speculate that it may be a form of gatekeeping. According to TechCrunch, this could potentially be a violation of Article 6(7) of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This article stipulates that gatekeepers must ensure that service and hardware providers can freely access and control the same features available through the operating system or virtual assistants.
Spotify has not shied away from attributing the blame to Apple in their updated support page. The messaging clearly places responsibility on Apple for the disruption in functionality, highlighting the ongoing tension between the two companies over such user experience changes.
