How to get iPhone 13 mini to automatically connect to 1 airplay device

Since the iPod touch was discontinued, I got an iPhone 13 mini to use as a sort of music player. All I do with it is play music airplayed to the same speakers. There's a feature in the settings to automatically connect to frequently used airplay devices, but my iPhone 13 mini doesn't ask or automatically connect despite setting this to auto or to "ask".

I know it can't stay connected all the time because that would drain battery life. But if would be great if I could have a pop up show up automatically whenever I play any audio and I could just tap that to connect to the speakers I always use.

My iPhone 14 Pro has a Dynamic Island bubble that often shows up to connect to these speakers when I play something. Is it not working with the iPhone 13 mini because it doesn't have Dynamic Island?

Any way to do this? I'm just really sick of constantly having to open control center and tap the tiny airplay sign and connect again manually and again if I pause for more than 3 minutes or so.

Thanks!