Apple is under fire from the EU for prioritizing itself.
Spotify is still experimenting with what the world after the Digital Markets Act (DMA) holds for its iOS app. The music streaming service revealed that it has updated its application for Apple’s permission, allowing Spotify to provide “the bare minimum required under the European Commission’s verdict in its music streaming dispute” as well as “basic pricing and website information” on its app in Europe.
"Apple continues to break European law,” and unfortunately that means we still can’t give EU consumers the information they need and the choices they deserve in our app. Here’s what we mean. pic.twitter.com/tkcXQkRqLy
— Spotify News (@SpotifyNews) April 24, 2024
Spotify’s head public affairs officer Dustee Jenkins further remarked in the news, released in a tweet on X (previously Twitter), “Apple continues to flout European legislation by charging developers to engage with consumers through in-app links.” It is past time for the Commission to carry out its ruling and give consumers tangible advantages.”
Spotify and Apple have long been at odds over what the latter can and cannot accomplish with its iOS app. Spotify sent Apple an update after the DMA went into place that would have let consumers buy plans straight from the app, but Apple turned it down. Apple did this despite the fact that it had just been fined almost $2 billion by the European Union for “blocking” alternative music apps. The EU is also looking into allegations of self-preferring and extra costs charged to developers by Apple, Meta, and Google. We will have to wait and watch how Apple responds to Spotify’s most recent test.
Updated @ 8:45 AM ET on April 25, 2024: Apple has declined the update from Spotify. “Apple has rejected our update for trying to communicate with customers about our prices unless we pay Apple a new levy, defying the European Commission’s judgment once again. A Spotify representative told newtechmania, “Their contempt for customers and developers is equaled only by their scorn for the law.