Spotify and Apple Again Clash Over App Store Rules and Fees

In the ongoing battle between Spotify and Apple, the former’s attempt to update its EU app hit a roadblock due to non-compliance with Apple’s Music Streaming Services Entitlement. This comes after a recent antitrust ruling by the European Commission. Let’s delve deeper into this contentious issue.

Spotify’s Struggle with Apple’s Approval Process

Denied Update: Subscription Pricing and Links Omitted

Spotify’s attempt to update its app in the EU was met with rejection by Apple due to non-compliance with the tech giant’s Music Streaming Services Entitlement.

The European Commission’s Ruling and Apple’s Response

A recent antitrust ruling mandated Apple to remove anti-steering provisions for music apps in the EEA, leading to the introduction of the Music Streaming Services Entitlement. This entitlement allows music apps in the EEA to inform users about alternate subscription methods and include website links for purchasing digital music subscriptions.

Apple’s Commission Fee Requirement

While this seems like a boon for apps like Spotify, there’s a catch. Apple demands a 27 percent commission on all website purchases referred by its platform, applicable even with the entitlement.

Section	Description
Spotify’s Struggle with Apple’s Approval Process	Spotify faces hurdles in updating its EU app due to non-compliance with Apple’s Music Streaming Services Entitlement.
Denied Update: Subscription Pricing and Links Omitted	Apple rejects Spotify’s app update lacking compliance with the Music Streaming Services Entitlement, which includes informing users about alternate subscription methods and adding website links for digital music subscriptions.
The European Commission’s Ruling and Apple’s Response	An antitrust ruling mandates Apple to remove anti-steering provisions for EEA music apps, resulting in the introduction of the Music Streaming Services Entitlement.
Apple’s Commission Fee Requirement	Despite the entitlement, Apple demands a 27 percent commission on website purchases referred through its platform, posing a challenge for apps like Spotify.
Spotify’s Resistance	Spotify, unwilling to pay Apple, submits an app update preemptively. However, Apple ignores it, leading to a standoff.
The Missing Link and Apple’s Response	Spotify’s subsequent update excludes links, claiming compliance with the European Commission’s ruling. Yet, Apple insists on adherence to its Music Streaming Services Entitlement.
Apple’s Ultimatum	Apple mandates Spotify to agree to the Music Streaming Services Entitlement terms for approval. Failure to comply risks rejection.
Spotify’s Stance	Refusing Apple’s EU ‌App Store‌ business terms, Spotify contends that Apple’s commission fee violates European law, urging the European Commission to intervene.
The Path Forward for Spotify	Despite challenges, Spotify aims for a fee-free app update, navigating EU regulations and Apple’s policies.
External Links	AppleInsider, MacRumors, European Commission

Spotify’s Resistance

Spotify, adamant about not paying Apple, submitted an EU app update before Apple announced its entitlement plan. However, Apple ignored Spotify’s update, sparking a dispute.

The Missing Link and Apple’s Response

Spotify’s subsequent app update excluded links, opting for minimal pricing information, claiming compliance with the European Commission’s ruling. However, Apple insists on compliance with its Music Streaming Services Entitlement.

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Apple’s Ultimatum

Apple requires Spotify to agree to the terms of the Music Streaming Services Entitlement to approve the app update. Without compliance, Spotify faces rejection.

Spotify’s Stance

Spotify refuses to opt into Apple’s EU ‌App Store‌ business terms, asserting that Apple’s commission fee violates European law. The company calls upon the European Commission to intervene.

The Path Forward for Spotify

Despite hurdles, Spotify seeks a solution where it can update its app without incurring fees, navigating the complexities of EU regulations and Apple’s policies.

FAQs: Spotify vs. Apple Approval Process

What led to Spotify’s app update being denied by Apple?

Spotify’s app update was rejected by Apple due to non-compliance with the Music Streaming Services Entitlement, which mandates certain requirements for music apps in the EEA.

How did the European Commission’s ruling impact Apple’s policies?

The European Commission’s antitrust ruling compelled Apple to remove anti-steering provisions for music apps in the EEA, resulting in the introduction of the Music Streaming Services Entitlement.

What does the Music Streaming Services Entitlement allow for?

The entitlement permits music apps in the EEA to inform users about alternative subscription methods and include website links for purchasing digital music subscriptions.

What is the catch associated with Apple’s Music Streaming Services Entitlement?

Despite the apparent benefits for apps like Spotify, Apple imposes a 27 percent commission fee on all website purchases referred by its platform, even with the entitlement.

Why did Spotify resist complying with Apple’s requirements?

Spotify, unwilling to pay Apple, submitted an app update before Apple announced its entitlement plan, leading to a disagreement between the two companies.

What action did Spotify take in response to Apple’s demand for compliance?

Spotify’s subsequent app update omitted links, containing only minimal pricing information, citing adherence to the European Commission’s ruling. However, Apple insisted on compliance with its Music Streaming Services Entitlement.

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What does Apple demand for Spotify to gain approval for its app update?

Apple requires Spotify to agree to the terms of the Music Streaming Services Entitlement to approve the app update. Failure to comply would result in rejection.

What stance has Spotify taken regarding Apple’s requirements?

Spotify refuses to opt into Apple’s EU ‌App Store‌ business terms, arguing that Apple’s commission fee violates European law. The company urges the European Commission to intervene.

What approach is Spotify taking to resolve the issue?

Despite facing obstacles, Spotify seeks a solution that allows it to update its app without incurring fees, navigating the intricate landscape of EU regulations and Apple’s policies.

AppleInsider
MacRumors
European Commission