Spotify has won a stage in a major competition dispute with Apple. The iOS app shows Spotify subscription prices on the web for the first time in the European Union, the music streaming service announced on Wednesday. Spotify is using a new option that Apple had to set up exclusively for music streaming services in the European Union and European Economic Area in response to a billion-dollar antitrust fine.
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Prices Yes, Purchase Links No
Until now, the Spotify app showed information about the different subscription levels, but did not mention any prices – and did not integrate any links. It said in short, “You cannot upgrade to Spotify Premium in the app. We know this is not optimal.” Apple removed Spotify’s convenient in-app purchase interface from the iOS app several years ago, so that Apple could no longer automatically withhold up to 30 percent commission for each Spotify subscription.
Since Wednesday, various subscription prices and Spotify promotions have appeared prominently in the app. However, a user still cannot buy or subscribe directly from the app; Spotify refers to its website for purchases. The streaming service deliberately avoids links: If a link is made to an external purchase option, Apple takes a 27 percent commission — including for purchases on the web.
Not so spectacular and yet long banned by Apple: Spotify is now allowed to mention subscription prices in the app.
Despite the EU Commission’s antitrust fine, Apple continues to demand “illegal and predatory taxes.” Spotify NotesThe battle continues. The streaming service is indirectly calling on the EU Commission to enforce the ruling against Apple.
Billion-dollar fine imposed on Apple
Such price information and references to external offers have long been strictly prohibited for Apple app providers and developers – and sometimes still are. This rule is an abuse of market power, Brussels decided in March after several years of investigation and imposed a record fine of 1.8 billion euros. However, this was specifically about the music streaming market only. Apple is appealing the decision. The Digital Markets Act also prevents gatekeepers like Apple from imposing such privacy clauses on their platforms.
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