Apple restricts volume control
Spotify has announced that Apple has disabled the ability to control volume using the iPhone's physical buttons for devices connected via Spotify Connect, such as smart home speakers. While Spotify is working with Apple on a solution, users will have to use the new volume control within the Spotify app for now. Interestingly, connections via Bluetooth and AirPlay are unaffected by this change.
Spotify confirms change
Through a discreet update on its support page, Spotify announced that Apple has "retired" the technology that previously allowed iOS users to control volume using the iPhone's physical buttons. Spotify is working on a solution, but until then, users will have to resort to the newly implemented volume control in the app.
Using the new volume control
When you have the Spotify app open and press a volume button, a volume slider will appear that you can adjust manually. However, if the app is in the background, you will need to wait for a notification, tap it, and then use the slider to change the volume.
Impact on everyday life
Although use via Bluetooth and AirPlay remains unaffected, the change has caused dissatisfaction among many users. The lack of physical controls is particularly annoying in situations where the iPhone is used as a remote control, such as when streaming to a TV. Users have been reporting this problem for months, especially when using Alexa, where many miss the ease of operation via the physical buttons.
User reactions
Although the change was officially set to take effect on September 3, some users have been noticing the issue for several months. On forums like Reddit, many have expressed frustration that they now have to look at the screen to adjust the volume instead of simply using the physical buttons on their iPhone.
