– Apple has not responded to Spotify’s request to update its EU app with pricing information in compliance with the Digital Markets Act, despite being hit with a $2 billion EU fine.
– Spotify believes Apple’s silence is intentional and aims to delay or avoid compliance with the European Commission’s decision.
– The ongoing dispute between Spotify and Apple dates back to 2019 when Spotify filed a complaint with the European Commission against Apple for anti-competitive practices related to the App Store’s fee structure and distribution restrictions.
Apple has yet to respond to Spotify’s request to update its EU app with price information, despite the fact that the European Commission recently hit Apple with a nearly $2 billion fine. Spotify claims that Apple’s silence is an attempt to avoid compliance with the DMA. Spotify made the update to the European version of its app a day after the fine was imposed, including pricing information and subscription links.
Spotify sent an email to the EU Commission informing them that Apple has not acknowledged the update the company made to its app. The email suggested that Apple’s lack of response is reflective of the company’s efforts to avoid following the Commission’s decision. Spotify expressed concerns that Apple’s delay in responding may be intentional and aimed at avoiding compliance altogether.
The tensions between Spotify and Apple have been ongoing for years, with Spotify accusing Apple of anti-competitive practices, particularly around the App Store’s fee structure and app distribution restrictions. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has publicly criticized Apple’s practices, particularly in response to Apple’s reaction to the DMA. Apple, on the other hand, claims to have supported Spotify’s growth in the European digital music market without charging any fees. Apple argues that Spotify is attempting to bend the rules in their favor by embedding subscription prices in their app without using the App Store’s In-App Purchase system.