First iTunes and then Apple Music have been a staple form of entertainment for many people since those music apps and services first came out. Apple Music brought music discovery through an extensive music streaming library. Apple Music also integrated well with familiar UX and UI elements for Apple users to easily use across devices. Imperfect it can sometimes be but, preferable to many.

But there’s a single feature that’s been sorely missing the past decade — a "connect" option. Other hi-res lossless streaming services have already adopted this technology. It is long overdue for Apple Music to do the same too.

Devices supporting Spotify Connect, first announced in 2013, entered the market in 2014, enhancing integration with home audio systems and powered speakers. Competitors like Tidal later adopted similar features, such as Tidal Connect in 2020. Qobuz, regarded as the audiophile‘s choice and a much much smaller company than Apple, added Qobuz Connect in 2025. 

The "connect" feature allows users to control playback and music selection via the service app itself from an iPhone or iPad from a couch or in the kitchen, wherever in or near the home wi-fi but; the actual streaming occurs on another audio device called, a music streamer.

The streamer resides in a smart speaker (Apple already does this but only with HomePods and AppleTV using their very clunky, unintuitive, and confusing “Control other” feature or brain dead Siri) or, a streaming device like a Bluesound NODE or a Wiim streaming device feeding into a DAC digitally or direct to a stereo system via RCA analog cables. There are many other streaming devices, from affordable like the $70 ($60 on sale) Arylic S10 too the MOON 390 at $6400. But with most falling in the $220-$500 range and sounding just as good as those costing much more. The superb sounding Wiim Pro Plus being a low cost but high performing lossless streamer.

Incorporating a "connect" feature would not only align Apple Music with its competitors but also enhance the user experience considerably. It also will help Apple grow. Right now, Apple Music is seen as the older cousin who just does not get it. Sitting alone in the corner with no connect at all, playing music on a 1980s cassette player. While Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal, and Deezer relax on the couch listening to and controlling lossless and hi-res lossless audio directly on their respective app, but playing from the dedicated music streamer. (Amazon has a crippled form of connect so, they are the creepy cousin out on the swing set looking in.)

Apple has always prided itself on innovation and accessibility. By adding a "connect" feature, they would not only continue that legacy but also show a commitment to all users, ensuring everyone can enjoy hi-res lossless music from speakers without barriers from a seating or standing or working place they choose.

Adding this information in 2026:

The executive team responsible for the strategy, software design, and product roadmap of Apple Music is structured as follows:

The Decision Makers (2026)

– Eddy Cue (Senior Vice President, Services)

Role: He is the highest-level executive responsible for all Apple services, including Music, TV+, iCloud, and the App Store.

Focus: He manages the overall business strategy and monetization. Decisions regarding whether to open up Apple's APIs to competitors (like WiiM) or keep the ecosystem "closed" ultimately sit with him.

– Oliver Schusser (Vice President of Apple Music, Beats, and International Content)

Role: Reporting directly to Eddy Cue, Schusser is the primary lead for the Apple Music brand and its technical direction.

Focus: He oversees the actual product development and the integration of features like Lossless and Spatial Audio. He also manages the Beats hardware division.

– Ole Obermann & Rachel Newman (Co-Heads of Apple Music)

Role: As of a 2025 leadership restructure, these two manage the day-to-day operations of the streaming service.

Focus: Obermann (formerly of TikTok) focuses on industry relationships and licensing, while Newman (a long-time Apple veteran) focuses on editorial and the user-facing experience of the app.

The Design & Hardware Team

Because a "Connect" feature requires a handshake between software and third-party hardware, these executives also influence the current limitations:

– John Ternus (Senior Vice President, Hardware Engineering & Design Lead)

Role: As of January 2026, Ternus has taken over leadership of Apple’s design teams following the retirement of Jeff Williams.

Influence: He represents the design team at the executive level and dictates how Apple devices interact with external accessories and third-party standards.

– Stephen (Steve) Lemay (Head of Design)

Role: Appointed in late 2025 to replace Alan Dye, Lemay oversees the actual User Interface (UI) and Human Interface (HI) design of Apple's operating systems.

Influence: His team determines how the "Control Other Speakers" menu functions and whether it remains restricted to Apple-only hardware.

Summary of Accountability

If the goal is to see a native "Apple Music Connect" protocol released for third-party brands like WiiM, the directive would need to come from Oliver Schusser (for product feasibility) and be approved by Eddy Cue (for ecosystem strategy).

We Apple Music subscribers — as well as those who who never subscribed or left due to a lack of no connect (of which there there are many) but who want to come back — call on Apple to make this important technical update ASAP. Implementing a "connect" feature would transform the Apple Music experience and affirm Apple's dedication to leading in technology that cares for every customer.

Please join me in signing this petition to urge Apple to enhance the Apple Music platform with a more inclusive and user oriented “connect” feature.