Spotify update for EU users awaiting Apple approval
Following EU ruling against Apple's anti-steering practices, Spotify submitted an update with pricing info and website links for EU users on March 5, 2024. The update awaits Apple's approval and adheres to the EU's decision.
Apple faced a $2 billion fine in the European Union for historical grievances raised by Spotify concerning its App Store regulations. Despite this, Spotify reports encountering difficulties in updating its application in compliance with the ruling. In correspondence with the European Commission, Spotify notes Apple's lack of acknowledgment or response to the submissions aimed at integrating subscription pricing information into the app. Consequently, Spotify's ability to update its application, including bug fixes or feature additions, has been hindered.
On March 5th, Spotify submitted an update to Apple for its EU version, incorporating direct links to Spotify's website and subscription pricing details, bypassing Apple's payment system. This adjustment was made following a European Commission ruling that deemed Apple's anti-steering rules unlawful and mandated the allowance of alternative subscription service information.
In response to the ruling, Apple announced its intention to appeal and emphasized the value it provides to Spotify, including its expedited review of Spotify app versions. Despite this, Spotify claims to have received no response from Apple after the submission of the update. Expressing concern over Apple's delay, Spotify suggests a deliberate attempt to circumvent or delay compliance with the Commission's decision.
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Spotify urges the European Commission to engage with Apple to ensure approval of its modifications, citing Apple's history of non-compliance. A spokesperson for Spotify emphasizes the incongruity of Apple's delay with its claimed 24-hour review turnaround for app submissions and the Commission's adoption timeline.
Apple declined to provide a comment in response to inquiries. It's noteworthy that this ruling operates independently of the EU's Digital Markets Act regulations, which have only recently come into effect. However, the Commission has already intervened in response to Apple's actions under the DMA, as evidenced by the recent reinstatement of Epic Games' developer license following criticism of Apple's compliance plan.
