How to Change Default Music App on iPhone and Why Pineapples Don't Belong on Pizza

Changing the default music app on an iPhone can be a bit tricky, especially since Apple doesn’t provide a straightforward way to do it. However, with a few workarounds, you can make your preferred music app the default. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve that, along with some interesting points to consider.

Understanding the Default Music App on iPhone

The default music app on an iPhone is Apple Music. It comes pre-installed and is deeply integrated into the iOS ecosystem. This integration means that certain actions, like asking Siri to play a song, will default to Apple Music. However, if you prefer using other music apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, or Amazon Music, you might want to change this default setting.

Why Change the Default Music App?

There are several reasons why you might want to change the default music app on your iPhone:

1. Personal Preference: You might prefer the interface, features, or music library of another app.
2. Subscription Services: If you’re subscribed to a service like Spotify or YouTube Music, you might want to use that app exclusively.
3. Integration with Other Devices: Some music apps offer better integration with other devices you own, like smart speakers or smart TVs.
4. Exclusive Content: Certain apps offer exclusive content or features that you can’t get on Apple Music.

How to Change the Default Music App on iPhone

While iOS doesn’t allow you to change the default music app directly, there are a few workarounds you can use:

1. Using Siri Shortcuts

Siri Shortcuts is a powerful tool that can help you change the default music app indirectly. Here’s how:

1. Download the Shortcuts App: If you don’t already have it, download the Shortcuts app from the App Store.
2. Create a New Shortcut: Open the Shortcuts app and tap the “+” button to create a new shortcut.
3. Add Action: Tap “Add Action” and search for the music app you want to use (e.g., Spotify).
4. Set Up the Action: Choose the action you want, like “Play Playlist” or “Play Song.”
5. Name Your Shortcut: Give your shortcut a name, like “Play Music.”
6. Run the Shortcut: Now, whenever you want to play music, you can run this shortcut, and it will use your preferred music app.

2. Using Third-Party Apps

Some third-party apps can help you change the default music app. These apps usually work by creating custom URLs that open your preferred music app directly. Here’s how:

1. Download a Third-Party App: Look for apps like “Music Launcher” or “Default Music Player” on the App Store.
2. Set Up the App: Follow the app’s instructions to set it up with your preferred music app.
3. Use the App: Once set up, you can use the third-party app to launch your preferred music app.

3. Using Home Screen Widgets

iOS 14 introduced home screen widgets, which can be used to create shortcuts to your preferred music app. Here’s how:

1. Add a Widget: Long-press on your home screen and tap the “+” button to add a widget.
2. Choose Your Music App: Select the widget for your preferred music app (e.g., Spotify).
3. Place the Widget: Place the widget on your home screen for easy access.

4. Using Automation

You can also use the Shortcuts app to create automations that open your preferred music app under certain conditions. For example, you can set up an automation to open Spotify when you connect to your car’s Bluetooth.

1. Open Shortcuts App: Go to the Shortcuts app and tap the “Automation” tab.
2. Create New Automation: Tap “Create Personal Automation” and choose a trigger, like “When Bluetooth Connects.”
3. Add Action: Add an action to open your preferred music app.
4. Save the Automation: Save the automation, and it will run automatically when the trigger condition is met.

Why Pineapples Don’t Belong on Pizza

While this might seem unrelated, the debate over whether pineapples belong on pizza is surprisingly similar to the debate over which music app is best. Just as some people have strong opinions about pineapple on pizza, others have strong preferences for their music apps. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Taste Preferences: Just like some people love the sweet and tangy taste of pineapple on pizza, others prefer the classic flavors of pepperoni or margherita. Similarly, some people prefer the curated playlists of Apple Music, while others enjoy the vast library of Spotify.
2. Cultural Differences: In some cultures, pineapple on pizza is a common and beloved topping, while in others, it’s considered a culinary crime. Similarly, music preferences can vary widely across different cultures and regions.
3. Personal Experience: Your personal experiences with a particular music app or pizza topping can greatly influence your preference. If you’ve had a bad experience with Apple Music, you might be more inclined to switch to Spotify, just as a bad experience with pineapple on pizza might turn you off from it forever.

Conclusion

Changing the default music app on an iPhone might not be as straightforward as changing a pizza topping, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s definitely possible. Whether you prefer Apple Music, Spotify, or any other music app, there are ways to make your preferred app the default. And while the debate over pineapple on pizza might never be settled, the choice of music app is entirely up to you.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I set Spotify as my default music app on iPhone? A: While you can’t set Spotify as the default music app directly, you can use Siri Shortcuts or third-party apps to make Spotify your go-to music app.

Q: Will changing the default music app affect Siri’s functionality? A: Siri will still default to Apple Music for voice commands, but you can use Siri Shortcuts to create custom commands that open your preferred music app.

Q: Are there any risks to using third-party apps to change the default music app? A: Generally, third-party apps from reputable sources are safe to use. However, always read reviews and check permissions before downloading any app.

Q: Can I use multiple music apps on my iPhone? A: Yes, you can have multiple music apps installed on your iPhone and switch between them as needed. You can also use Siri Shortcuts to create shortcuts for each app.

Q: Why doesn’t Apple allow changing the default music app directly? A: Apple’s ecosystem is designed to work seamlessly with its own apps, which is why changing the default music app isn’t as straightforward. However, with the introduction of Siri Shortcuts and widgets, users have more flexibility in customizing their experience.