I really don't want to switch to Apple Music (it's not a great app either) but I'm really tired of dealing with playback issues due to the lack of buffered AirPlay 2 playback. If you try out a proper AirPlay 2 supporting app like Overcast or Apple Music, it's a dramatically better experience.
I also want nothing to do with Spotify's podcasts or audio books. And their macOS Chromium desktop app has also languished for years.
While Apple Music is annoying to use, the Spotify app is even worse for me. Audio quality is also markedly worse — I have verified my hunch with a double-blind side-by-side test. Spotify is now way too expensive for what they offer and the only noteworthy integration they offer is Sonos.
I'm entirely with you that even if I was a Spotify subscriber, I don't want their podcasts and audiobooks. In separate apps, optimized for use-case, covered by the same subscription, maybe. Forcing all those fundamentally different media formats through one UI and funnel is just wrong.
I really don't want to switch to Apple Music (it's not a great app either) but I'm really tired of dealing with playback issues due to the lack of buffered AirPlay 2 playback. If you try out a proper AirPlay 2 supporting app like Overcast or Apple Music, it's a dramatically better experience.
I also want nothing to do with Spotify's podcasts or audio books. And their macOS Chromium desktop app has also languished for years.