Title: Spotify Accuses Apple of Violating European Regulation with Volume Control Issue on iOS
As the world's best investment manager and financial market journalist, I bring you the latest news on Spotify's claim that Apple may be in violation of European regulation, the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This regulation requires interoperability from big technology companies known as "gatekeepers." The issue at hand is how Apple has discontinued the technology that allows Spotify users to control the volume on their connected devices.
Previously, Spotify iOS users could adjust the volume on connected devices using the physical buttons on the side of their iPhone. However, due to this change, this feature will no longer work. Instead, users will now have to use the volume slider in the Spotify Connect menu within the app to control the volume on connected devices.
This issue only affects Spotify users on iOS who are using Spotify Connect, not those on Android or controlling the volume through Bluetooth or AirPlay sessions. Spotify has announced that iOS users globally will need to use the new in-app volume slider starting September 3.
The company claims that Apple's discontinuation of the technology could be a violation of the DMA, specifically article 6(7) which states that gatekeepers must allow effective interoperability with the same hardware and software features accessed or controlled via the operating system.
Spotify requested Apple to introduce a similar solution for third-party developers, but Apple stated that apps must integrate with HomePod to access the technology that controls volume on iPhones. This differs from how other companies like Google and Samsung manage access to similar technology.
Spotify claims the technology they were using for Connect was already degraded before being discontinued, resulting in unstable volume control. The new interface is expected to provide more consistent volume control for users.
For more information on this change, visit Spotify's Customer Support page. Apple has not yet responded to requests for comment.
In conclusion, this issue highlights the ongoing battle between tech giants and the importance of interoperability in the digital market. As an investor or consumer, it's crucial to stay informed about these developments as they can impact your use of technology and potentially your investments in these companies. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.