Spotify Connect is broken on iOS, and this has been revealed by the Swedish music streaming giant itself. The company claimed that the feature's volume control is not working when a user tries to use their device's physical buttons.
Because of this, Spotify is claiming yet again that Apple is violating the European Union's (EU's) Digital Markets Act (DMA). In particular, Spotify is accuses the Cupertino-based tech giant of violating the rule of interoperability.
As of press time, Spotify has shared a workaround to deal with the issue experienced by iOS devices. Apple, however, has yet to offer a fix to the problem as well as a comment on the issue.
Spotify Connect is Broken on iOS, Claims Apple Violated DMA
The latest statement from Spotify has now confirmed that Spotify Connect on iOS is not working as it should. Specifically, the issue occurs when a user attempts to raise or lower the volume through the device's physical buttons. This feature was previously available, but for unknown reasons, this is no longer working for users.
The Swedish streaming platform has gone on to accuse Apple of violating the DMA, particularly article 6(7). This states that interoperability and hardware should be available to services like Spotify.
Spotify pointed out that Apple's ecosystem works perfectly, particularly for iPhones and its integration with Apple TV and HomePods. Now, the music giant is asking Apple to introduce a similar feature to third-party apps. However, the company has claimed that the Cupertino-based firm requires developers to integrate their apps into the HomePod.
The Workaround on iPhones
To help users dealing with the issue, Spotify shared a workaround for this bricked feature. It requires users to choose their preferred sound volume via the Spotify Connect menu, which can be found in the app.
Should a user try to change the volume via the physical buttons, Spotify will send a notification, which, when tapped, will take them directly to the controls.
Spotify and Apple's Years-Long Dispute
For many years now, Spotify has been a vocal critic of Apple and its various policies and rules for the App Store which the music streaming giant does not agree with. It already introduced a third-party payment system for iOS users which bypasses the App Store. However, for countries that are not part of the EU, this is a violation of Apple's App Store rules.
Last year, Spotify officially removed the Apple App Store payment method for its subscribers because the company disagrees with the tech giant's 30% commission rate. This meant that legacy App Store subscribers of Spotify needed to resubscribe again, and this change came right after their last payment cycle.
Additionally, as the DMA took effect, Spotify has raised different complaints to the EU regarding Apple's operations, claiming that the tech giant is not complying with its rules. Now that there is an issue with Spotify Connect, the company has another complaint yet again against Apple.
