9/20/2020 Spotify is testing standalone streaming to the Apple Watch

Tom Maxwell 27 minutes ago

TECH
Spotify is testing Apple Watch streaming without an
iPhone connection
Listeners could stream music over Wi-Fi or LTE and even play tracks out of the built-in speakers.

pixedeli/iStock Unreleased/Getty Images

Spotify is testing the ability for Apple Watch users to stream music without a tethered connection
to an iPhone. Most streaming services limit Apple Watch support to accessing playback controls
for music streaming from an iPhone. Apple's own Music service already allows for streaming
directly to the Watch over Wi-Fi or cellular, even if an iPhone isn't paired.

That's what Spotify is now testing with select users, according to some users on Reddit. The
company has o ered a dedicated Apple Watch app since 2018 but it isn't very comprehensive.
Apparently in tests the new Spotify app for Apple Watch allows users to play music directly
through the Watch's speakers, something Apple Music doesn't allow.

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BREAKING ITS CHAINS — It makes sense that Spotify is doing this now considering that Apple
announced earlier this week at its Time Flies event that it will nally allow for the Apple Watch to be

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set up and used independently from an iPhone with Family Sharing. These can be in either GPS
only or GPS + LTE con gurations.

It's a move that's long been anticipated, and Apple is pitching this as a way to keep kids and older
family members connected who don't have an iPhone. Plus, it makes the cheaper Apple Watch SE
a more attractive proposition. More Watch apps will probably follow suit as they'll have more
incentive now to create an experience untethered from the iPhone.

The Apple Watch SE. Apple

COMPETITORS DON'T STAND A CHANCE — During its event Apple also unveiled the new
Watch Series 6 alongside the SE. The SE starts at $279 (for GPS only, the GPS and cellular version
is priced at $329) and uses an older chipset and aluminum frame. Apple expects that will be the
one that parents buy for their children to keep them safe and connected without needing to shell
out for a more costly Apple Watch Series 4, 5 or 6, or an expensive iPhone.

The Apple Watch is already the most popular smartwatch in the market and the new o erings will
likely cement that dominance by growing its total potential market substantially. That growth can

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only bene t from allowing users to opt for Spotify over Apple Music, given the Swedish streaming
service remains the world's most popular platform, despite Apple's extensive e orts to catch up.

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