Spotify Criticizes Apple’s EU App Store Rules Again
Spotify has once again criticized Apple for its App Store policies. The music streaming service claims that Apple has rejected a recent update to the app, citing a breach of its guidelines.
Spotify claims that Apple is circumventing a ruling by the European Commission. This ruling sought to end anti-steering practices.
The war is over Apple rejecting the recent update to Spotify’s app for EU users.
Apple said the update did not conform to the Music Streaming Services Entitlement. This Entitlement allows developers to direct users to websites for purchase.
Specifically, Apple cited that Spotify had introduced links to an external shop for the purchase of subscriptions. However, Spotify did not conform to the requirements of the Entitlement and failed to file the required profile.
Reaction
Spotify accused Apple of complying with the decision of the European Commission. The decision ordered Apple to end anticompetitive practices that bar developers from letting customers know about other payment options.
“Apple has again defied the European Commission’s decision and rejected our update for trying to communicate with customers about our prices unless we pay Apple a new tax,”
a Spotify spokesperson said.
The “new fee” refers to the 27% commission Apple charges for purchases through alternative channels. This falls under the Entitlement. This fee reduces to 12% for Small Business Program participants or subscription renewals after the first year.
As the fight between Spotify and Apple continues to gain momentum, it suggests implications for users. The fight means that users may find themselves on the receiving end of decisions made by the platform gatekeepers.
As the industry evolves, the responsibility of protecting the interests of consumers will fall on the regulator’s shoulders. The latter will have to ensure that there is balance between the drive for innovation and the protection of consumers’ interests.
The ending of this fight will, in many ways, determine the future of app distribution and monetization for developers, consumers, and the industry.
This complex issue will require some thinking about balancing competing interests and commitment to fairness and competition.
