Spotify Connect Faces iPhone Volume Control Restrictions

Spotify Connect Volume Control Changes

The recent update from Spotify brings significant changes for iPhone users relying on Spotify Connect for seamless volume management across devices.

Why the Change?

Apple has discontinued support for physical volume button integration with Spotify, leaving users to use an in-app slider for volume control. Now, when iPhone users press their volume buttons, they receive a notification prompting them to adjust the volume in the app instead of directly controlling it on connected devices.

The Workarounds

• Users must tap the notification to access the volume slider.
• If the Spotify app is already open, the slider will display automatically.

Impact and User Experience

This change has led to complaints about unreliable volume control via physical buttons, as Spotify noted that the previous method caused volume spikes and had other bugs.

Spotify's Response

In their communications, Spotify pointed to Apple's refusal to grant necessary technology access, calling it a case of restricted interoperability. They argue this could clash with the EU's Digital Markets Act, which aims to prevent such limiting practices by tech giants.

Conclusion

This alteration may challenge the experience for many Spotify users as they navigate these new controls, raising questions on how platforms like Apple manage their ecosystems.