[iOS] Implement Native HomePod Support

[robotoman22]

Details

Just this week at WWDC (June 22, 2020), Apple announced support for third party music services on the HomePod.  I'm requesting that Spotify implement native support for the HomePod such that one or even multiple HomePods will appear in the "Connect to a device" menu on any Apple device WITHOUT having to connect through Airplay.  This will also allow users to ask Siri to play songs from Spotify on their HomePod(s). 

Apple is opening up the HomePod, and I know there are many other HomePod users that would love to have native Spotify support on their speaker. 

Resources

• WWDC 2020 video and further resources about this topic: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10061
• More details on this site: https://developer.apple.com/siri/
• Form to request music service integration from Apple: https://developer.apple.com/contact/request/sirikit-media-intent-for-homepod

Please upvote this idea to garner attention for it.  Thank you Spotify and the Spotify community.  Let's get this implemented so it's ready for general iOS 14 release this September!

[CZB]

Spotify could significantly boost its user base and improve user experience by enabling native HomePod mini support.

Imagine this: seamlessly controlling Spotify with just your voice on HomePod mini. No more clunky AirPlay setup. You simply ask Siri for your favorite song or podcast, and it starts playing instantly. HomePod mini would even display Spotify as a playback option, just like Alexa devices.

This wouldn't just benefit Spotify. Here's the win-win:

• For Spotify: Gain a massive advantage by attracting users who prioritize voice control and a smooth experience. With native integration, Spotify becomes an equally attractive option to Apple Music on HomePod mini. This could lead to a significant user increase for Spotify.
• For Users: Enjoy a simpler, more intuitive music experience. Forget the multi-step AirPlay process. Just speak your command, and Spotify on HomePod mini delivers. This eliminates frustration and enhances the overall streaming experience.

The current situation, where users switch to services like Apple Music for native HomePod mini support, is a missed opportunity for both Spotify and its users. With native integration, Spotify can offer the same level of seamless control as Apple Music, keeping users happy and potentially attracting new ones. It's a win-win for everyone involved.

[tryingtothink]

I suspect Mr Ek and his team think they can get an even bigger advantage
for themselves by not engaging. We are collateral damage. For my part I
found Apple Music was great. I don't find YouTube as good but the bonus of
advert free videos more than makes up for it for me. YouTube Music keeps
getting dropped by the Apple Home App on my aging iPhone. But it is a
matter of less than a minute to re-instate it. YouTube search is not as
good as the other two but if needs be if there is something it can't find
on voice search with the HomePod then one can often find it in the YouTube
App and then 'hand over' to the HomePod.

[ToniGarrn]

What a disrespect for its us users. It’s such a simple implementation to make its service fully integrated. Apple will dominate the market of smart devices for years to come, and Spotify plays hard to get... for what reason??? What a shame.

[DomRogers]

I am having so many issues using Spotify with my HomePods (mini 2 and HomePod 2). I went to the Apple Store and they confirmed the issues are in fact coming from Spotify itself. 

The solution was try Apple Music and YouTube music - they both work without any issues. 

Spotify - you’re useless. 

[DomRogers]

For extra context - when using two HomePods to airplay the music as a pair, one continuously cuts out. 

[aimeeclinhen2019]

Plan

Premium Duo

Country

United States

Device

Apple HomePod/HomePod Mini

Operating System

IOS

My Question or Issue

So I have been able to use different music apps/platforms through my HomePods Siri but it tells me that Spotify is not available for that. HOWEVER, Apple has a support article stating how to go about adding “3rd party music services” to the HomePods settings. I dont get the option to add my HomePod into my Spotify settings so I cant

move forward with Apples help section. Is this actually not available? Am I just having a malfunction somewhere? If this isnt available yet, will it be?

[penwong]

just bring me the spotify to homepod，or otherwise you will lost a hole family users!!!

[rshepherd]

What a joke that this is going on for 4 years.

I've just purchased an entire homepod system (3 small, 1 large) for my business. And then find out that Spotify doesn't support this.... Absolutely ridiculous. 

[bennybingo]

In the past, Spotify has said that Apple has been responsible for their services not working well with Spotify. While that may have once been true, Apple has since allowed third party developers to support Airplay 2 on HomePods. This would reduce the extremely long lag and reliability issues that currently affect Spotify on HomePods, as they only support AirPlay 1.

Tidal took this opportunity and now supports Airplay 2. So there is no reason why Spotify cannot, other than Spotify's spitefulness and grudge-holding.

People have wanted this feature for over 4 years now, so Spotify has had plenty of time to do it but has refused. What confuses me is that this is directly causing Spotify users who are users of apple products, to switch to Apple Music since it obviously works properly with Airplay 2. 

Simply put, Spotify has no excuse not to add Airplay 2 support, especially with IOS 18 on the horizon, it is a good time. Tidal did it, so why can't we get that feature? Apple Music is looking more and more attractive the longer Spotify blatantly ignores its customers.

[aptkingston]

I genuinely can't understand why Spotify refuse to implement this. There are thousands of Apple users who would switch from Apple Music to Spotify with this simple feature, and without it the inverse is happening - we're being forced to cancel Spotify subscriptions and look for alternatives.

Their naivety and childish stubbornness when it comes it integrating with Apple is mind boggling. Spotify, please listen to your users. It's in your interest, it's in our interest. We want to stay with you - don't push us away!