Spotify recently submitted a new version of its app for EU users, complying with pricing information and basic site details. This version notably excludes the website link.
The music streaming company has chosen not to participate in Apple’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA) changes, which impose a “core technology fee” on developers with over 1 million annual downloads.
The update contains essential information in alignment with the European Commission’s regulations.
“Despite Apple’s efforts to impose new fees on developers, we remain committed to offering consumers a genuine choice within our app at no additional cost. This is why we have submitted a new update to Apple, featuring basic pricing and website information as outlined under the European Commission’s ruling in the music streaming case,” stated Dustee Jenkins, Spotify’s chief public affairs officer.
“By enforcing charges on developers for in-app links, Apple continues to violate European law. It is crucial for the Commission to enforce its decision for consumers to experience real benefits,” Jenkins added.
The approval of this version is pending from Apple, and Spotify must wait for its release. Upon approval, Spotify’s free users in the EU will access information on premium plans but won’t be able to navigate to the website through a link to purchase plans. Instead, users will be directed to visit the website via their browsers to make a purchase.
Previously, Spotify had submitted a similar update to the App Store with a website link but did not receive approval from Apple. Spotify is advocating for the DMA to allow businesses to promote offers within their apps.
Following a fine of €1.84 billion ($2 billion) by the European Commission on Apple for anticompetitive practices, Spotify submitted the previous update. In response, Apple plans to challenge EC’s decision.
EC commissioner Margrethe Vestager stressed, “Apple will now be required to enable music streaming developers to communicate freely with their users, whether within the app, via email, or any other form of communication.”
