Spotify recently submitted a new version of its iOS app in the European Union, including in-app pricing information. However, Apple rejected it.
The reason for the rejection? Apple is insisting that Spotify comply with its updated rules regarding Music Streaming Services. This means that Spotify would still be required to pay Apple a 30% royalty commission for in-app purchases. Spotify has stated that it will not agree to Apple’s revised terms. According to Spotify spokeswoman Jeanne Moran as reported by TheVerge“Apple has once again rejected our update in the EU for attempting to inform our customers about our prices without paying a new fee to Apple.”
In light of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Competition (DMA), Spotify aimed to enable users to purchase plans directly from its app. However, Apple rejected this proposal, despite the European Commission imposing a €1.8 billion fine on Apple for abuse of power.
As a result, Spotify users on iOS in the EU will now need to navigate outside of Spotify’s app to purchase a subscription through their website.
“Apple continues to violate European law,” which unfortunately means that we are still unable to provide EU consumers with the necessary information and choices they deserve within our app. Here’s what we’re facing. pic.twitter.com/tkcXQkRqLy
— Spotify News (@SpotifyNews) April 24, 2024
Spotify’s ongoing battle with Apple over in-app pricing information has escalated once again as the tech giant has rejected the music streaming service’s latest iOS app update in the European Union. Apple’s insistence on Spotify complying with its updated rules on Music Streaming Services, which include a 30% royalty commission for in-app purchases, has led to this latest stand-off.
The rejection of Spotify’s updated app in the EU stems from Apple’s demand that Spotify pay a new fee to inform its customers about pricing within the app. Jeanne Moran, a spokeswoman for Spotify, expressed the company’s frustration stating, “Apple has once again rejected our update in the EU for attempting to inform our customers about our prices without paying a new fee to Apple.” This move by Apple is seen as a continuation of their ongoing dispute with Spotify over App Store policies and fees.
Despite efforts by Spotify to comply with European Commission regulations and enable users to purchase plans directly from its app, Apple has rejected these proposals. Even after the European Commission imposed a hefty €1.8 billion fine on Apple for abusing its power, the tech giant remains steadfast in its stance against Spotify’s attempts to provide in-app purchase options for users.
As a result of Apple’s rejection of Spotify’s app update, users in the EU will now have to navigate outside of the Spotify app to purchase a subscription through the music streaming service’s website. This adds an extra step for users and disrupts the seamless experience that Spotify aims to provide for its customers.
The ongoing dispute between Apple and Spotify has brought the issue of app store policies and fees to the forefront once again. Spotify’s push to offer in-app pricing information directly to users is seen as a way to provide transparency and choice to customers. However, Apple’s insistence on maintaining its 30% commission on in-app purchases has led to a stalemate between the two tech giants.
In a tweet, Spotify News expressed its frustration with Apple’s actions, stating, “Apple continues to violate European law, which unfortunately means that we are still unable to provide EU consumers with the necessary information and choices they deserve within our app.” The tweet highlights the impact of Apple’s rejection on Spotify’s ability to offer users a seamless and transparent experience within the app.
As the battle between Apple and Spotify continues, it remains to be seen how the two companies will resolve their differences and whether Spotify will be able to provide in-app pricing information to its users in the EU. The outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for how app stores operate and the relationship between app developers and platform owners.