- Spotify’s latest iOS app version in the EU redirects users to the Spotify website to view pricing for subscriptions outside of Apple’s payment system.
- Previous app versions with direct website links were not approved by Apple, prompting Spotify to adjust its submission to meet EU ruling requirements.
- The European Commission’s investigation into App Store rules, triggered by Spotify’s antitrust complaint, concluded that Apple had abused its market position by limiting developers’ promotion of alternative subscription deals.
Spotify is making strides towards providing users in the European Union with in-app pricing information for subscriptions made outside of Apple’s payment system.
The latest version of its iOS app aims to comply with the European Commission ruling by directing EU users to manually visit Spotify’s website via a web browser to purchase cheaper subscription plans.
This move comes after a previous version of the app, which included direct website links, was not approved by Apple, with no acknowledgment or response provided.
The current submission features the minimum required pricing and website information outlined in the EU ruling, following a four-year investigation into App Store rules.
The investigation, triggered by Spotify’s antitrust complaint in 2019 regarding the 30 percent “Apple Tax,” concluded that Apple had abused its dominant market position by restricting developers from promoting alternative subscription deals outside of the iOS platform.
As per the ruling, Apple must allow music streaming developers to communicate freely with their users.
However, Apple still needs to approve Spotify’s latest app submission before EU customers can access updated pricing information.
Spotify’s chief public affairs officer, Dustee Jenkins stressed the importance of enforcing the decision to ensure consumers benefit from increased transparency and choice.
It’s past time for the Commission to enforce its decision so that consumers can see real, positive benefits