Spotify prepares its iPhone app for new EU rules
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Ten years and 2 billion dollars ok, later, Apple is still upsetting EU darling Spotify, but this time because the company doesn't review apps for itself faster than for other developers.
The world's largest music streaming company continues to fight antitrust laws by being able to do almost everything it ever wanted in the EU. Spotify returned to the European Commission with a new complaint — Apple is not approving its app updates quickly enough.
According to The Verge, Spotify wrote to the EC that Apple “has not confirmed or responded to Spotify’s statement.” The EC ruling fined Apple $2 billion and ordered the company to stop its anti-steering practices.
On March 5, Spotify presented an update to Apple with new in-app subscription information and a link to its website. Nine days later, Spotify believes Apple is not communicating properly and may be deliberately delaying approval of the app.
“Nine days have passed and we are still waiting to hear from Apple about introducing our app to show prices for EU consumers and a link to our website, which we are now authorized to do by the European Commission. decision on music streaming case,” said Spotify spokeswoman Jean Moran. “Apple's delay directly contradicts their claim that they review application applications within 24 hours, and also contradicts the Commission's acceptance deadlines.”
App review has always been a bit of a black box, but days or a couple of weeks without approval after submission is not unusual for almost every developer. The delay may be due to Apple being extra cautious about this new EU requirement.
It probably doesn't help that the Apple App Review team is working on one of the biggest changes ever to hit iOS at once. Compliance with the Digital Markets Act requires active participation from Apple, as well as 600 new APIs for developers and changes to iOS.
Also, Spotify won't lose money because Apple is delaying the inevitable.
Spotify has not allowed customers to sign up for a premium subscription in the app since 2016. Adding the ability to prompt users to go to a website and sign up to avoid the 30% fee is pointless if customers can't even sign up in the app.
Obviously, users have no problem finding Spotify Premium and subscribing. Spotify is the EU market leader with a 56% share, while Apple Music has an 11% share.
Spotify is a company like any other, and it can't force Apple to prioritize app updates. However, despite the special treatment from the EU, perhaps Spotify is a little spoiled and thinks it can ask for anything and get it.
