Spotify says Apple has broken volume controls.
Spotify has done this until they solve the problem
“Apple has discontinued the technology that enables Spotify to control the volume of 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 says on an updated help page.
Being able to use the iPhone volume buttons is very practical, but now you have to use touch from iOS 17 until they find a solution.
“The company notes that this issue does not affect users who control the volume on iOS Bluetooth or AirPlay sessions, nor users on Android. This only applies to those who listen via Spotify Connect on iOS. As a result, Spotify iOS users globally will be prompted to use the new in-app volume slider starting September 3,” TechCrunch reports, which also reveals that Apple reportedly told Spotify that it needs to integrate HomePod support for the buttons to work again.
At the time of writing, the Spotify app will notify users that they must change the volume in the app when attempting to use the buttons. If you are already in the app, the volume interface appears automatically: