Apple’s iOS 26 Opens Music App Doors to Spotify

Apple’s latest mobile software, iOS 26, is making headlines for breaking one of its long-standing walls. In a surprise move, Apple is finally allowing third-party music apps like Spotify to access a key feature of its native Music app. This new update opens up Apple’s Now Playing API, meaning that for the first time, non-Apple music apps can integrate more deeply into the iOS experience.

This decision could have a significant impact on how users enjoy music across different platforms. For years, Spotify and other streaming giants have asked for more access to Apple’s native tools. With iOS 26, Apple is finally opening the gate—at least partly.

What’s Changing in iOS 26?

At the heart of the update is Apple’s Now Playing API, which powers the Music app’s interactive playback controls, lock screen display, widgets, and dynamic notifications. Until now, these features were mainly limited to Apple Music and a small set of Apple-approved tools. That changes with iOS 26.

Third-party apps like Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and Tidal will now be able to use the API to display rich, interactive music playback features within the iPhone’s native interface. This means:

• Spotify tracks may soon appear with full metadata on the lock screen
• Custom playback widgets from third-party apps could become standard
• Seamless integration between Siri and non-Apple apps could improve
  This move aligns Apple more closely with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires tech giants to ensure more openness and interoperability. While Apple hasn’t said the change was forced by regulation, the timing suggests that it may be part of broader efforts to comply globally.

What Does This Mean for Spotify and Users?

For Spotify, this is a win they’ve been waiting for. The company has publicly criticized Apple’s closed ecosystem for years, especially around the App Store and Music app restrictions. With access to the Now Playing API, Spotify and similar apps can now deliver:

• Real-time playback info directly on the lock screen
• Integration with system-level widgets and notifications
• Smarter control options for users who multitask
  This means you won’t have to unlock your phone or switch between apps just to pause or skip a song in Spotify. Also, these integrations could bring interactive music experiences, such as lyrics display, queue control, and better media sharing. Users also stand to benefit from better app experiences, faster controls, and more music personalization, regardless of which app they use.
  Read how Spotify has responded to Apple’s changes

Why Apple Is Opening Up Now

For a company known for its tight software control, this shift marks a significant change in philosophy. Apple is increasingly facing pressure from global regulators and tech competitors, especially in Europe. The DMA has already forced Apple to allow third-party app stores and change its payment policies in the EU.

By letting Spotify and others tap into iOS’s native Music features, Apple may be hoping to avoid further legal battles or penalties. It’s also a good PR move: Apple can now claim to be more open and flexible, especially to developers.
Learn more about Apple’s API policies

Will This Be a Global Rollout or Region-Based?

Apple hasn’t made it clear whether this update will be available worldwide or only in select markets like the EU. Based on previous Apple feature rollouts influenced by regulation, it’s possible that:

• Full API access may start in Europe
• US and other markets may get limited versions
• Additional changes may come based on developer feedback
  If the rollout is successful, users in more countries could soon see better Spotify and YouTube Music integration within iOS.

Developer Community Welcomes the Move

App developers and iOS engineers are reacting positively to the change. Access to system-level APIs allows more creativity and control, which results in better apps for end users. “This is something we’ve been waiting for,” said a senior Spotify developer on X (formerly Twitter). “It means we can finally offer iOS users the experience they’ve wanted for years.” Apps like Pandora, Tidal, Deezer, and even podcast players might also use the new API to improve their user interfaces.
Explore developer discussions on Apple’s forums

What Else Is New in iOS 26?

Besides the Music app API update, iOS 26 is bringing several other changes:

• More interactive widgets: Live widgets on the home screen
• AI-enhanced Siri: Better contextual understanding
• Lock screen upgrades: Additional customization and live activity integration
• Battery health tools: Detailed insights on charging patterns
  These improvements aim to make iPhones smarter, more customizable, and user-centric—possibly to match offerings from Android 15, which is also getting major updates.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Open Music on iOS

With iOS 26, Apple is making a move toward platform openness—at least in the music space. Giving Spotify and others access to the Music app’s Now Playing interface means users no longer need to choose between rich iOS integration and their favorite non-Apple music app.

This change could signal the start of more open iOS features in the future. If it goes well, we might see Apple expanding API access in areas like messaging, fitness, and payments. Until then, Spotify fans and other third-party music lovers can look forward to a better, smoother listening experience—finally made possible by Apple’s evolving policies.

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