Apple was recently fined 1.8 billion euros (about $2 billion) by the European Union Commission, which alleges that the company is abusing its dominant position to harm Apple Music's competitors on iOS. Despite this, the company still appears to have unresolved issues with Spotify, its main competitor, which is now accusing Apple of blocking updates to its apps in the EU.
Spotify says Apple is blocking updates to its apps in EU
With the Digital Markets Act (DMA) coming into effect on March 7, 2024, developers will finally be able to distribute their apps to iOS users outside of the App Store in the EU. And even for apps available in the Apple App Store, the new rules ensure that developers can use alternative payment methods for in-app purchases.
Spotify introduced an update to its iOS app to Apple on March 5th. With this update, the platform has completely removed subscriptions that use the App Store in-app purchase system. Instead, users are now asked to visit the Spotify website to subscribe.
However, in Spotify's email to the EU Commission, seen by The Verge, the company blames Apple for not approving the update since then. “Nine days have passed and we are still waiting to hear from Apple that we will submit our app to show prices for EU consumers and a link to our website,” the company said. the email said.
Spotify spokeswoman Jeanne Moran says Apple's delay “directly contradicts their statement that they review app reviews within 24 hours, and that also stands out.” schedule for adoption set out by the Commission.” When asked, Apple declined to comment.
It's not uncommon to see Apple hold back and delay app approval in the App Store because of something they don't agree with. However, it seems that even the $2 billion fine did not change the company's opinion of Spotify. It's worth noting that the EU has ruled that Apple cannot prevent developers from telling users about alternative payment methods in their apps.
Developers vs. Apple
Earlier this month, Spotify and dozens of other companies sent a letter to the EU Commission complaining about Apple's lack of DMA. compliance.” After the EU said it would continue to investigate Apple over DMA, the company relaxed some of its new rules on distributing apps outside the App Store.
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