Apple Music is Sometimes Replacing Other Apps in the Dock When Installed From App Store

Apple Music appears to be affected by a bug that is causing the app to install itself directly into the dock when downloaded from the App Store, with the app even replacing other first and third-party apps located in the dock.

Users who downloaded Apple Music and then had it replace another app have complained about the problem. Kevin had Apple Music in his dock.

The app was only replacing non-Apple apps, but that appears to be incorrect, as the app was installed over the Camera app, as well as over the other apps. Music apps are not being targeted or solely impacted because we had it install over the Mail app.

Seems like if you download the Apple Music app from App Store, it will automatically appear on your device (iPhone) dock, more than this, it will change any other 3d party app with the Music app. If on your dock, you only have Apple apps it won't do anything. pic.twitter.com/c0pkO9G2pq — Kevin Archer (@IM_Kevin_Archer) May 5, 2022

We have not been able to replicate this behavior of Apple Music setting itself as the default music service even if another music app is set as the default.

We were able to get Apple Music to install itself over another app on our devices, because of the affected devices. There is an issue with other older versions ofiOS 15. There is a complaint from the year of 2019.

This behavior has not been explained as a bug by Apple, but it is likely accidental. Apple has already been accused of favoring its own apps over third-party apps and is facing regulatory scrutiny, so there is little chance that Apple would replace third-party apps with its own.

There is no set pattern to the replacement of the Apple Music apps, nor does the issue happen consistently. Tim Sweeney has suggested that Apple rigged the operating system to replace apps with Apple Music.

I just verified this on iOS 15.4.1. With Spotify installed and on the dock, installing Apple Music removed Spotify from the dock and put Apple Music there - without asking. Happens without Apple Music being run, so clearly Apple has rigged their OPERATING SYSTEM to do this! — Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) May 5, 2022

The Apple Music issue is receiving a lot of attention and Apple will likely address it soon.