Spotify and Epic Games call Apple’s revised DMA compliance plan ‘confusing,’ ‘illegal’ and ‘unacceptable’

Spotify and Epic Games are among the critics expressing dissatisfaction with Apple’s revised compliance plan for the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Spotify labeled the plan “unacceptable” while Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized it as another example of “malicious compliance” involving “junk fees.”

Apple’s initial attempt at DMA compliance failed, leading to further scrutiny of the new fee structure proposed under Apple’s DMA rules by the European Commission. The latest changes include the introduction of an “Initial Acquisition Fee” and a “Store Services Fee” in addition to the Core Technology Fee.

Developers now have the option to link out to their websites without accepting Apple’s DMA rules, but they will still be subject to the new fees. Even developers who do accept the new terms will face additional charges on top of the existing Core Technology Fees.

The revisions have sparked criticism and confusion, with Spotify expressing concerns about the complex fee structure. The company condemned Apple’s proposal, citing the imposition of high fees for basic communication with users as a violation of the DMA.

We are currently assessing Apple’s deliberately confusing proposal. By demanding as much as a 25% fee for basic communication with users, Apple once again blatantly disregards the fundamental requirements of the DMA. We call on the Commission to expedite its investigation, implement daily fines, and enforce the DMA.

Epic Games, known for its legal battles with app stores over antitrust issues, also criticized the new revisions as unlawful. Tim Sweeney called out Apple for imposing a 15% fee on users migrating to competing stores, labeling it as “malicious compliance.”

The acceptance of Apple’s proposed changes by the EU remains uncertain, as the debate over the new fee structure continues.