Spotify sparks huge row with Apple after blaming iPhone maker for broken iOS feature driving users mad
APPLE has blasted Spotify for a change that affects how the volume works on iPhones.
The music streaming giant sparked a fresh feud with Apple after it withdrew access to tech that lets people adjust the volume on connected devices using the iPhone's physical buttons.
It affects Spotify Connect, a feature for controlling sound levels on things like nearby speakers and smart TVs with the iPhone.
iOS Bluetooth or AirPlay sessions continue to work as normal - as does Android.
Writing on its support page, Spotify said Apple had "discontinued" the technology that made Spotify Connect possible.
The change is due to come into effect on September 3 but some users claim it's already happening on their accounts.
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"While we work with them on a solution, you can use the Spotify app to easily adjust the volume on your connected device," Spotify says.
Anyone that attempts to adjust the volume with the physical buttons while connected to a device will see a notification that prompts users to an alternative solution.
Instead, people will have to open the Spotify app and use an in-app slider to turn the volume up or down.
"Making it inconvenient to use Spotify to force iPhone users to Apple Music is prime Apple anti-competitor behavior," one frustrated user wrote.
"Wow, Apple's decision sure is a bummer for Spotify users on iOS," another said.
For quick access to volume, users can press one of the volume buttons on their iPhone.
"Apple has told us that they require apps to integrate into HomePod in order to access the technology that controls volume on iPhones."
It's not the first time the two companies have been at lock horns with each other.
Spotify has previously taken aim at Apple over fees it charges for the app store, claiming it gives Apple's own services like Apple Music an unfair advantage.
While this latest saga is a frustration for users, many take aim at Spotify over the issue, not Apple.
"they don’t get tired of blaming apple," one user wrote on X.
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"Sounds like a lot of finger pointing and baby cries than actual functionality," a second person wrote.
And a third commenter added: "They will blame literally anything on Apple hahahahahahaha."
iPhone tricks to try today
Here are some of the best...
- Typing cursor – When typing, hold down the space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad, letting you move around words and sentences more easily
- Close all Safari tabs – To do this in one go, simply hold the overlapped squares in the bottom right-hand corner, and press close all tabs
- Delete lots of photos quickly – Hold down on a photo and then drag your finger diagonally in Photos to select lots of images at once, then hit delete
- Convert currency quickly – Swipe down from the top of your Home screen (or swipe left to right on an iPhone X or later model), then tap in the bar and type a currency (like $200) and it will automatically covert to your local currency
- Check if you're due a battery upgrade – Batteries inside smartphones degrade over time. Just go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health, and check out the Maximum Capacity reading. Generally a battery is considered worn when you're down to 80% capacity. If you're below, you can buy a battery swap from Apple
- Move apps around faster – Hold an app until it starts wiggling, then (while still holding) tap other apps, causing them to stack so you can move them around easier