HomePod users will be able to choose a default music service as part of iOS 14’s update.
Alongside being able to replace Safari and Mail with third-party apps on the iPhone and iPad, Apple has finally caved in and will allow users to change their default services on HomePod devices, so for the first time, Spotify can be selected as a default playback option.
Users are already able to listen to music through Spotify, but they’ll need to specify that they want to play music on Spotify every time, via a command like “Hey Siri, play Sia on Spotify.”
This change will make it easier for users to select their favorite music streaming platform for their content, and help Apple appease Spotify and other streaming firms, who submitted antitrust complaints regarding the company due to its unfair competitive advantage last year.
And it’s not just music streaming that can be customized.
As part of iOS 14 and the next version of Apple’s HomePod software, it will be possible to change the default category for a number of services, including audiobooks (Audible, for example) and podcasts (Google).
In order to make the change, users will need to head to the Primary Services pane in their Home app, and then select the default service. The service must be installed and set-up on an iOS device and the good news is each user profile can choose their own default apps.
If you live in a household with more than one HomePod user, you’ll be able to stream music from your default music app, and they’ll be able to take over and stream from a rival service.
iOS 14 will be released to the public in September, alongside a trio of new iPhones. A public beta will follow this month, though users are encouraged not to download this as it’s often buggy and can cause issues with your day-to-day iOS experience. Keep it locked on the AppleMagazine website for more news on Spotify, HomePod, and iOS 14, every week.
