The ongoing dispute between Spotify and Apple over in-app purchases erupted again after Spotify submitted a new version of its iOS app in the European Union. The update aimed to include in-app pricing information for Spotify subscriptions. However, Apple rejected the app, citing its updated rules under the Music Streaming Services Entitlement.
According to these revised terms, Spotify would still need to pay Apple’s standard 30% commission for any in-app subscriptions sold, even after an EU ruling determined such fees represented unfair competition.
“Apple has once again defied the European Commission’s decision, rejecting our update for attempting to communicate with customers about our prices unless we pay Apple a new tax.”
Spotify spokesperson Jeanne Moran
The rejection came despite a €1.8 billion fine issued by the European Commission against Apple last year for abusing its dominance in the app market. The antitrust case found Apple’s mandatory use of its own in-app purchase system and 30% fee was an anti-competitive practice. As a result of the Digital Markets Act, Spotify wanted its app to allow direct subscription purchases.
However, Apple maintained its entitlement rules, leading Spotify to refuse adopting the changes. As a result, Spotify users in the EU seeking to purchase subscriptions will still need to do so through the Spotify website outside of the app instead of completing the transaction within the app itself. The clash demonstrates the ongoing strains between the two companies over in-app monetization rules in the EU market.
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