It’s weird to see how Apple adds options to iOS that let you set up the app you really want to use to get something by default, instead of forcing you to use Apple’s official app. And while I doubt you’ll ever be able to use anything other than the App Store to get new software on your iPhone (without jailbreak), at least you’ll soon be able to choose which app you want to use to play your music by default.
This often discussed feature is expected to be part of iOS 14.5, but there was a bit of a rocky patch in its development: the option appeared in the beta version, was left in a later update and is now back again . This is normal, though, and now that it’s back, I’m sure it will appear in the final version of iOS 14.5, whenever it arrives.
If you want to check this configuration option right now, you will have to go through the usual installation process of the beta version of the iOS 14.5 developer (version 3, as of this writing). Is it like that it is not difficult to do, but as always, I will remind you that installing a beta operating system carries the risk of slowing down your phone, causing some applications to act in a complicated way, or causing any other peculiar issue that will not be resolved until later beta (or with the final version).
There is no option to tap to change the default music player, which is a curious omission. I hope Apple adds the iOS 14.5 version. Instead, you should ask Siri to play music, requesting a song from your favorite band. When you do this, and if you have several music applications installed on your device, you will be asked to select one as the default.
G / O Media may receive a commission
How to now you only have one. Whatever you choose becomes the default value for your future “Hey Siri” commands, and cal some gossiping to get the requests upload again and you change your mind. (Again, it would be much easier have this as an option somewhere in Settings> Musicbut what do I know?)
That said, if still you want to play music from different services or applications installed on your device, all you have to do is add the service name to your request and Siri will obey. For example, you could say “Play nine inch nails”A listen via the default service you selected earlier. Or you can say “Play Nine Inch Nails on Spotify” to start music from this app.
This is one is true a cheeky way to set up a default music player on iOS, but it is (for now). We will update this article if or when the steps change to a later beta.