Apple has “discontinued” the technology that allows Spotify to control volume from connected iOS devices.
The two tech firms’ war wages on as the streaming giant has confirmed it is looking for a “solution” to the Spotify Connect issue.
It does not impact Bluetooth or AirPlay connections, but iPhone users won’t be able to use their volume buttons to turn their tunes up or down and will have to go into the app.
“Apple has discontinued the technology that enables Spotify to control volume for connected devices using the volume buttons on the device. While we work with them on a solution, you can use the Spotify app to easily adjust the volume on your connected device,” Spotify said.
Apple has said Spotify will have to be integrated with HomePod to get the function back.
Spotify has accused Apple of violating the Digital Markets Act, or DMA, which was set up to make the digital economy fairer and more contestable.
Swedish streamer Spotify filed a complaint against Apple in 2019, claiming it limits choice and competition in its app store by charging a 30 percent fee on all purchases.
Apple also prevented Spotify and other companies from informing customers on their phones that they could avoid the commission — and get a better deal — simply by signing up on Spotify’s website.
Apple said its fee is justified because it spends heavily on providing a secure app store, and provides Spotify with access to hundreds of millions of customers.
But Spotify argued that Apple’s own music streaming service, Apple Music, does not face the same extra cost, giving it an advantage and making the fees anti-competitive.
