Spotify Claims Apple Blocks Volume Control For Connected Devices, Violates EU Rules?

- Spotify, clash with Apple (photo: x @theapplehub)

JAKARTA - Spotify, a leading music streaming service, states that iPhone users can no longer use physical buttons to control volume when sending music to other devices via Spotify Connect. This change came after Apple allegedly made access adjustments for third-party companies to iPhone hardware, especially volume buttons.

IPhone users who use the Spotify app on their device may not feel any difference, as the volume button still works as usual. However, problems arise when users send music from iPhone to other devices, such as a separate speaker system, via Spotify Connect. In this situation, the physical volume button on the iPhone no longer works.

"Apple has discontinued the technology that allows Spotify to control the volume for connected devices using the volume button on devices," reads the Spotify support page. "While we are working with them to find solutions, you can still use the Spotify app to customize volume on connected devices."

The problem escalated after Spotify claimed that Apple's actions violated the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA). DMA rules require Apple to provide access to the same hardware and software features to third parties as provided to its own services.

In response, Spotify reportedly asked Apple to allow volume controls when using Spotify Connect to send music to HomePod. However, Apple stated that Spotify needs to add integration with HomePod in their app for this feature to work.

In 2019, Spotify also filed a complaint with the European Union that Apple was blocking Spotify's access to HomePod. In addition, Spotify also refused assistance from Apple in adding support for AirPlay 2, which until 2023 is still said to be coming soon.

The dispute between Spotify and Apple adds to the long list of conflicts between these two big tech companies, especially in terms of access and control over Apple's hardware and software ecosystems.