All about Apple
In the latest clash between tech giants, Spotify announced on Thursday, April 25, that Apple has rejected its new version of the iOS app, which includes pricing information for users in the European Union. This move comes after Spotify attempted to comply with the European Commission’s decision regarding price transparency.
What do you need to know:
- According to Spotify, the Swedish audio streaming company has submitted a revised version of its app to Apple, incorporating basic pricing details and website information, as required by the European Commission ruling.
- However, Cupertino, California-based Apple reportedly denied the update, citing unspecified reasons.
- The dispute stems from the European Commission’s investigation into Apple’s practices regarding competition within its App Store, prompted by a complaint from Spotify in 2019.
- In March this year, the Commission imposed a hefty fine of 1.84 billion euros ($1.97 billion) on Apple for allegedly making it difficult for music streaming rivals to compete.
- This marked the EU’s first antitrust penalty against the tech giant.
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Spotify’s spokesperson expressed frustration with Apple’s actions, accusing the company of disregarding the European Commission’s decision and prioritizing its own interests over those of consumers and developers. The spokesperson condemned Apple’s apparent disregard for the law, claiming that Spotify’s rejection of the update was an attempt to extract additional fees.
In an attempt to address concerns raised by the European Union, Apple recently announced measures aimed at increasing transparency for users of music streaming apps within the European Economic Area.
These measures would allow such apps to provide users with information about alternative payment methods outside of the App Store. However, Spotify’s latest app update did not include an in-app link to its website, as proposed by Apple.
So far, neither Apple nor the European Commission have responded to Reuters’ requests for comment on the matter.
