In Alexa app on iPhone using Apple Music Skill why is a separate Echo/Sonos device “required” as connected accessory ?

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In Alexa app on iPhone using Apple Music Skill why is a separate Echo/Sonos device “required” as connected accessory ?

Asking Alexa on iPhone app with Apple Music Skill to “play Apple Music” it only seems to work when Echo/Sonos devices are “connected accessories”. When I use AirPods Pro and many other Bluetooth devices connected only to iPhone I get an Alexa error saying that I need a connected accessory. Even my Kenwood car stereo w/ Alexa Built-in has this problem. But the Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, etc. services/skills work fine with these devices using Alexa app. This looks to be a problem with just the Apple Music Skill and not the Alexa app.

iPhone 13, iOS 15

Posted on Mar 11, 2022 4:31 PM

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Answer 1

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Ebrog323 Author

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Mar 11, 2022 7:35 PM in response to MrHoffman

But my question was why is it that way when the other service providers don’t have that limitation. That article led me here, but It was my mistake in not noticing this is a user forum and not a Apple support. But thanks anyway.

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Answer 2

Mar 12, 2022 8:02 AM in response to Ebrog323

Ebrog323 wrote:

But my question was why is it that way when the other service providers don’t have that limitation. That article led me here, but It was my mistake in not noticing this is a user forum and not a Apple support. But thanks anyway.

I would think things like this:

https://www.theregister.com/2022/03/03/amazon_alexa_speaker_vuln/

might something to do with it, as well as having a competing platform, but Apple seldom if ever comments here.

Apple has stated what is supported and tested, and you went outside the list and found the app does not work.

Send your feedback to Apple:

Product Feedback - Apple

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Answer 3

Mar 11, 2022 7:05 PM in response to Ebrog323

Per that same document, required: An Amazon Echo, Amazon Fire TV, or Alexa-enabled Sonos speaker that you already set up with the Amazon Alexa app on your iOS or Android device.

That means no Bluetooth gear, no AirPods, no other Alexa devices, and no Kenwood.

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Answer 4

deggie

Level 10

167,309 points

Mar 11, 2022 7:06 PM in response to Ebrog323

I don't use Alexa and have no desire to. Reading the article you provided you one use the Skills and Apps button to get to the steps necessary to set up and link your account. After that you use your normal voice commands.

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Answer 5

Ebrog323 Author

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Mar 11, 2022 7:00 PM in response to deggie

See the referenced article: Play Apple Music with Alexa - Apple Support. The Skill, I mentioned is steps 3-5 under section “Set up Apple Music with Alexa“.

And, no, this isn’t related to using Siri.

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