Spotify claims that Apple may have again violated the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a European regulation that requires interoperability among big tech companies known as “gatekeepers.” This time, the issue is not with in-app purchases, links or pricing information, but with Apple's removal of technology that allowed Spotify users to control the volume of connected devices.
When streaming to a connected device via Spotify Connect on iOS, users were previously able to adjust the volume using the physical buttons on the side of their iPhone. With this change, this feature will no longer be available.
To get around this issue, Spotify iOS users are told to control the volume of their connected devices using the volume slider in the app's Spotify Connect menu instead.
Image credit: Spotify
The company says the issue doesn't affect iOS users who control volume through Bluetooth or AirPlay sessions, or Android users, and only applies to users listening via Spotify Connect on iOS.
As a result, Spotify iOS users worldwide will be instructed to use the new in-app volume slider starting September 3rd.
Notably, the company also argues that Apple's move to discontinue the technology it was using could be deemed a violation of the DMA, specifically, Article 6(7) which states:
“6(7): ‘The gatekeeper shall permit service providers and hardware providers, free of charge, effective interoperability with, and access for the purposes of interoperability to, the same hardware and software features accessed or controlled through the operating system or virtual assistant listed in the designation decision under Article 3(9) that are available in the services or hardware provided by the gatekeeper.”
* Additionally, Gatekeeper shall grant to business users and alternative providers of services provided in conjunction with or supporting the Core Platform Services, free of charge, effective interoperability with, and access for interoperability purposes to, the same operating system, hardware, or software features made available or used by Gatekeeper in providing the Services, regardless of whether those features are part of the operating system.”
Spotify said it had asked Apple to introduce a solution for third-party developers similar to the one already offered to users of Apple HomePod and Apple TV devices, but Apple told Spotify it would need an app that integrates with the HomePod to access the technology that controls the iPhone volume.
That means Spotify can't use the same technology as Apple Music on iOS, which Spotify noted is different from how other companies like Google and Samsung control access to similar technology.
The technology Spotify used for Connect was already deteriorating before it was discontinued, the streaming company claims. Spotify said the iPhone volume buttons were often unstable to use and suffered from bugs such as volume spikes during sessions. The new interface allows for more consistent volume control, the company said.
More information about the change can be found on Spotify's customer support page. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
