Apple has a ‘good news’ for Spotify and other music streaming apps in Europe – Times of India

To comply with the European Union’s (EU) mandate, Apple has announced new measures to help music streaming apps. As per the new measures, third-party music streaming companies that are listed on the Cupertino-based tech giant’s App Store and are available in the European Economic Area will be allowed to inform users of other ways to purchase digital services.
According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Apple has promised that it will allow other music streaming app developers to invite users to provide their email addresses to send them a link to the developer’s website to purchase digital music content or services. The company also asked the developers to inform them about where and how to purchase items as well as the price.

How these measures will help Spotify and others

The company noted that the latest announcement will offer “even more” flexibility to music streaming service apps. This includes Spotify which currently has a 56% market share in Europe.
The Daniel Ek-led music streaming company is yet to comment on Apple’s new policy changes.

Why Apple is changing its policy

It all started when Swedish streaming service Spotify filed a complaint with the European Commission in 2019. For this complaint, in 2023, the EU competition watchdog charged Apple with restricting Spotify and other companies from informing users of payment options outside its App Store.

In March, the European Commission said that Apple’s restrictions constituted unfair trading conditions and asked the company to stop such conduct.
The iPhone maker was fined 1.84 billion euros ($1.99 billion) by the EU for restricting competition from music streaming rivals via restrictions on its App Store.
However, Apple has argued that the Commission’s decision does not address its ability to charge a commission for all the tools, technologies and ongoing services it offers.