Tech Desk
Aug 14, 2024
The Cupertino-based tech giant Apple has changed its stance on Spotify's app update, which would now allow the music streaming service to display pricing and direct users to its website.
The move comes after Apple has been under investigation for some time over its alleged anticompetitive practices in the music streaming market. That would mean Spotify gets to offer users more flexibility and transparency where subscription options are concerned.
Spotify charged Apple with unfair practices, stating Apple Music was advantaged over Spotify due to Apple's 30% cut on in-app purchases.
Spotify filed a formal antitrust complaint with the European Union (EU) back in 2019, which ended with a $2B fine for Apple this past March.
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The European Union has also found Apple guilty of breaking its antitrust laws by abusing its dominant position in the market.
Earlier this year, Spotify tested Apple's policy by releasing an update showing subscription prices.
Although Apple had rejected the update at first, it is now reversing its decision and will let Spotify show pricing and redirect users to its website. That change would let Spotify outline clearly to users how much its service costs and give them the option to subscribe directly to the website.
However, Apple still has not allowed Spotify to include a link to its website directly in the app. Spotify is calling on the EU to instruct Apple to permit direct links, citing "illegal and predatory taxes." This limitation would prevent users from seamlessly signing up for a subscription without leaving the app.
