Spotify has once again raised concerns about Apple’s 30% commission on App Store apps that generally do not apply to it, saying it harms competition and limits consumer choice.
As stated earlier, Spotify believes that companies must be able to compete on a level playing field to capture the attention of consumers. In a new press release, the company argues that Apple’s restrictive policies are contrary to this principle and unfairly favor its own financial interests.
Spotify notes that despite some progress in Europe, global regulatory intervention remains insufficient. This, according to the streaming service, allows Apple to maintain monopoly control over the App Store, which leads to higher prices for consumers and stifles innovation among developers.
The company has raised concerns about Apple’s practices, saying they negatively impact user experience and innovation. As an example, Spotify cites the need to create a complex process for audiobooks due to Apple’s limitations, which results in a suboptimal user experience.
In addition, Spotify notes that it cannot inform customers about prices for upgrades to Premium accounts, provide alternative payment options that are not covered by Apple’s rules, or introduce new features without Cupertino’s express permission.
Spotify has expressed concerns that it could share confidential business plans with Apple during the approval process, giving its main rival an unfair advantage. The company also points out inconsistent Apple policies where apps like Apple Music are not subject to the 30% commission, putting third-party developers and their customers at a disadvantage.
By the way, Spotify is also not subject to the 30% commission. After the first year of subscription, Apple’s commission drops to 15%.
The ongoing battle between Apple and Spotify has been going on for several years now. In 2019, Spotify filed anti-competitive complaints against Apple with the European Union.
In July 2023, the company announced that it would stop serving the remaining customers who paid for Spotify Premium through the App Store.
Apple countered Spotify’s claims, saying the company wants “all the benefits of a free app without being free.”
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