Spotify has submitted a new version of its iOS app that aims to provide users in the European Union with in-app pricing information for subscriptions outside of Apple’s payment system – assuming the update isn’t blocked by Apple again.
Accordingly TechCrunch, the latest version of the app does not contain a direct link to subscription plans on Spotify’s website. The company hoped to avoid Apple’s 30 percent cut in subscriptions through the App Store. Instead, EU users are instructed to manually visit Spotify’s website via a web browser to purchase cheaper subscriptions.
An earlier version of the app did Website Links Included was submitted by Spotify last month. According to Spotify, Apple has not approved the update and has “neither acknowledged nor responded to” the filing. The company says the latest version it is trying to approve contains the “absolute minimum” of pricing and website information, as outlined in the European Commission’s decision that fined Apple €1.84 billion (approx. 2 billion US dollars) was imposed.
The EU ruling followed a four-year investigation into App Store rules that prevented music services from offering cheaper subscription offerings outside the iOS platform. That investigation, in turn triggered by an antitrust complaint from Spotify in 2019 over the 30 percent “Apple tax,” found that Apple “abused its market dominance” by preventing developers from informing their customers about cheaper alternatives inform services.
The ruling means Apple must allow music streaming developers to communicate freely with their own users. Apple also needs to approve Spotify’s latest app submission before EU customers can see updated pricing information. “It’s past time for the Commission to enforce its decision so consumers can see real, positive benefits,” said Dustee Jenkins, Spotify’s chief public affairs officer.
We’ve reached out to Apple for comment.
The EU antitrust case is independent of the DMA regulations mentioned above, but Apple has taken strong action against both decisions and said it would appeal the $2 billion fine. The European Commission also had to intervene to force Apple to reverse its decision to revoke Epic Games’ developer license after Epic CEO and long-time Apple critic Tim Sweeney called the company’s DMA compliance plans “hot garbage.” “had referred to.