Spotify Brings Standalone Streaming to Apple Watch Globally
Spotify rolls out standalone streaming for its Apple Watch app, allowing users to listen to music and podcasts without their iPhone. The global update follows a testing period and requires an Apple Watch Series 3 or newer.
Spotify begins rolling out standalone streaming support for its Apple Watch app, allowing users to listen to music and podcasts directly from their wrists. This highly requested feature connects via Wi-Fi or cellular networks, meaning listeners no longer need to keep their iPhone nearby to access their audio content.
The absence of standalone streaming has long frustrated Spotify users who want to leave their phones behind during workouts or other activities. With this update, users simply stream audio straight from their watch to Bluetooth headphones or AirPods, catching up to competitors like Apple Music and Pandora who already offer this capability.
The feature is currently flagged as a beta for some users as Spotify conducts a global rollout. To use the new standalone streaming functionality, listeners need an Apple Watch Series 3 or later running watchOS 6.0 or higher, along with a reliable Wi-Fi or cellular connection.