Apple is reportedly working with developers to allow third-party music services such as Spotify and Pandora to be set as the default music streaming service on HomePod, according to a new report via Bloomberg.
According to Mark Gurman who cites people familiar with the development of iOS 14, Apple may also allow users to set a third-party web browser and mail application as their default options.
One of the main downfalls of HomePod is that users can only natively stream from Apple Music, with subscribers of third-party services such as Spotify having to AirPlay songs to HomePod rather than using Siri.
The technology giant is discussing whether to let users choose third-party web browser and mail applications as their default options on Apple’s mobile devices, replacing the company’s Safari browser and Mail app, according to people familiar with the matter. The Cupertino, California-based company also is considering loosening restrictions on third-party music apps, including its top streaming rival Spotify Technology SA, on HomePods, said the people, who asked not to be named discussing internal company deliberations.
HomePod is said to have less than 5 percent marketshare in the smart-speaker market, with the plans hoped to boost sales of the Siri speaker with those who don’t subscribe to Apple Music.
The report follows after Spotify announced that it had filed an antitrust complaint against Apple with the European Commission over unfair App Store practices, claiming Apple had an unfair advantage by allegedly making it harder for third-party apps that rival Apple’s stock applications to do business and gain new subscribers.