Comment by echelon

It's a problem because the OS doesn't mandate control. If every app had to function via OS volume controls and APIs, the world would be a wonderful place.

Truly first-class audio with sublime control plane ergonomics.

That'll never happen since any random app developer can just multiply audio volume by a float in whatever API and attach their own unique take on a slider. I'll merit the cases where you need to have individual level and channel controls, such as editing software and professional music tools, but most apps are not these.

It's times like this when I do appreciate Apple's dictatorial take on things, though even they could not win this fight.