Spotify has submitted an updated version of its app to the App Store in the EU, showcasing pricing and feature information for its various plans. Pending Apple’s approval, the update also includes a link for users to purchase subscription plans directly from Spotify’s website.
Recently, the European Commission fined Apple €1.84 billion for anti-competitive practices in the music streaming market. EU’s competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, stated that Apple must cease its anti-steering practices.
Vestager emphasized, “Apple will now be required to allow music streaming developers to freely communicate with their users, whether within the app, via email, or through other means of communication.”
What Spotify’s App would look like if Apple approves its changes Image Credits: Spotify
Buoyed by this development, Spotify has introduced this new app version featuring subscription details, offers, and a direct purchasing link, as reported by The Verge. Previously, the app did not display plan prices, leading to messages like “You can’t upgrade to Premium in the app. We know, it’s not ideal.”
Back in January, Spotify hinted at forthcoming changes regarding the Digital Markets Act (DMA), including the ability to subscribe via in-app purchases and purchase audiobooks directly from the app. However, Apple swiftly countered with its compliance method, thwarting many of these anticipated modifications.
Companies agreeing to Apple’s terms will incur a new “core technology fee” tied to downloads from all sources. This could significantly impact expenses for large companies like Spotify with millions of downloads.
In a blog post, Spotify hailed this as a “powerful message,” indicating that even a behemoth like Apple cannot misuse its power to dictate how other companies engage with their customers.
In response, Apple disclosed its intent to challenge the EC’s ruling, contending that Spotify has gained the most from the App Store. Apple pointed out that Spotify commands a considerable market share in Europe’s music streaming sector while paying no fees for the services that have propelled its global brand recognition.
