Spotify recently unveiled a new version of its iOS app in the European Union with pricing information. However, Apple rejected it because it wants Spotify to comply with their updated music streaming access rules, which require Spotify to continue paying Apple a 30% commission on in-app purchases. Spotify refused to accept the changes, saying they would not accept Apple's revised rules. Zhanna Moran, a representative of the company, said The Verge: "Apple has once again ignored the European Commission's ruling by rejecting our update for trying to tell customers the prices if we don't pay Apple a new tax."
Apple's 30% commission requirement
Despite the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), Spotify intended to offer users the option to purchase plans directly through its app. Despite a hefty €1,8 billion fine imposed on Apple by the EU for abuse of power, the tech giant continues to demand a 30% commission from Spotify. As a result, Spotify users in the EU using iOS devices will have to go outside the app to purchase a subscription via the website. Spotify expressed its disappointment, saying: "Apple continues to violate European law by preventing us from providing EU consumers with the information and choice they need in our app."
"Apple continues to breach European law and unfortunately this means we are still unable to provide EU consumers with the information and choice they deserve in our app."
Apple spokeswoman Hannah Smith (Hannah Smith) shared Apple's message to Spotify, saying that accepting the music streaming service's terms of use is mandatory for their app to be approved. According to TechCrunch, the latest version of the app lacks a direct link to subscription plans, forcing EU users to manually visit Spotify's website via a web browser to purchase a subscription at a lower cost, bypassing Apple's fee.
We expect further developments in this situation in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for updates.
