Spotify says Apple is blocking iPhone users from using physical volume buttons when streaming music to other devices with Spotify Connect. The development is the latest in a long-running dispute between Apple and Spotify, raising concerns that Apple’s change could have a significant impact on Spotify’s user experience.
Spotify Connect is a feature that allows users to wirelessly send music from their iPhone to external speakers or other audio devices. However, with the latest change, the volume control buttons on the iPhone will no longer function when this connection is made. Spotify claims that this is due to Apple’s restrictions on third-party apps. According to the company’s support page, Apple’s disabling of this technology means that users will no longer be able to control the volume of devices connected via Spotify Connect directly with the iPhone’s physical buttons.
Spotify’s allegations against Apple
Spotify argues that Apple’s move violates the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA requires big tech companies to make the same hardware and software features they use for their apps and services available to third-party developers. Spotify has taken Apple to EU authorities, saying it has failed to comply with this legal obligation. The company is demanding that Apple restore the ability to control the volume when streaming music to devices like the HomePod via Spotify Connect.
The latest tension between Spotify and Apple is actually part of a rivalry that has been going on for years. In 2019, Spotify accused Apple of restricting access to the HomePod to give its own music service, Apple Music, an advantage. The complaint was taken seriously by the European Union, which launched several investigations against Apple. However, the tension between the two companies has not subsided since then. Spotify claims that Apple discriminates against them in terms of hardware and software integrations.
On the other hand, it is known that Spotify has had problems with integration with Apple in the past. For example, Spotify rejected Apple’s offer to integrate AirPlay 2 technology into its application. Although this integration is thought to improve the user experience, Spotify has not yet provided this support. The company states that it is working on this integration, but users continue to wait for this feature.
The dispute between Spotify and Apple has reignited the competition law debate in the digital services sector. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act was created to prevent big tech companies from abusing their market dominance. Apple’s restrictions on hardware and software access could be subject to scrutiny under the law. Spotify’s complaints could lead to tougher EU action on the issue.
Apple, on the other hand, argues that these restrictions are necessary for user security and system integration. The company states that it takes such measures to protect its own hardware and software ecosystem. However, these explanations do not satisfy Spotify and other third-party developers. Claims that Apple imposes such restrictions to provide an advantage to its own music service are among the criticisms frequently voiced in the technology world.
It seems that the fight between Spotify and Apple will not end anytime soon. While both sides try to defend their positions, users are closely watching the results of this competition. The decisions of the European Union will affect not only these two companies, but also all players in the digital services market.