Spotify, the popular music streaming service, is once again pushing the boundaries of what is permissible within Apple’s iOS ecosystem. In a recent announcement on X (formerly Twitter), Spotify’s chief public affairs officer Dustee Jenkins revealed that the company has submitted an app update to Apple for approval. This update would allow Spotify to display basic pricing and website information on its app in Europe, in accordance with the “bare minimum” requirements outlined by the European Commission’s ruling in its music streaming case.
The move comes in the wake of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a set of regulations aimed at promoting fair competition and preventing large tech companies from abusing their market dominance. Spotify has long been critical of Apple’s App Store policies, particularly the requirement for developers to use Apple’s in-app payment system and pay a 30% commission on transactions.
Jenkins emphasized that by charging developers to communicate with consumers through in-app links, Apple continues to violate European law. She urged the European Commission to enforce its decision, allowing consumers to experience real, positive benefits from the changes brought about by the DMA.
This is not the first time Spotify has challenged Apple’s App Store policies since the implementation of the DMA. Previously, Spotify submitted an update that would have allowed users to purchase plans directly from the app, bypassing Apple’s in-app payment system. However, Apple rejected this update, despite facing a nearly $2 billion fine from the European Union for allegedly blocking alternative music apps.
The European Union is also investigating Apple, Meta, and Google for self-preferencing and charging developers additional fees. These investigations highlight the growing scrutiny that large tech companies are facing from regulators around the world, as concerns about anti-competitive practices and market dominance continue to mount.
As the tech industry awaits Apple’s response to Spotify’s latest app update, it remains to be seen how the ongoing battle between the two companies will play out. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the future of app distribution and the relationship between developers and platform owners in the European market and beyond.
