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Wednesday, Mar 18, 2026
Outside the box.
Apple says Spotify wants ‘limitless’ access to its tools without paying
Apple has accused Spotify of demanding excessive access to its App Store development tools without providing compensation, amid an ongoing legal dispute involving the European Union (EU).
Apple faces the possibility of a large fine, reportedly around €500 million, if the EU deems it has engaged in anti-competitive practices against Spotify.
Spotify lodged a formal complaint with the EU in 2019, criticizing Apple's policy of charging a 30% fee for transactions in the App Store, which includes music subscription services, asserting that this gives Apple's own service, Apple Music, an unfair edge since it isn't subject to the same fee.
Furthermore, Spotify contends that Apple's regulations prevent them from informing users about alternative, more economical subscription methods outside the App Store.
Contradicting this, Apple stated that Spotify does not actually conduct subscriptions within the App Store in the EU, therefore, it pays no commission to Apple. Apple stresses it supports developers, including Spotify, which has grown with the help of Apple's services to become a leading music streaming app available in 160 countries.
Reports indicate that the European Commission is nearing the end of its investigation into the matter. Apple mentioned that Spotify has choices such as using a direct link to their website for subscriptions, which it has not utilized. Despite Spotify’s claims of restrictive competition, it has attained over 50% market share in Europe.
Apple also pointed out that Spotify can employ various methods like email and social media to communicate alternatives for subscriptions outside the App Store.
Criticizing the EU regulators, Apple argues that the prolonged scrutiny has not shown any proof of consumer harm or monopolistic behavior by Apple, suggesting the probe might only reinforce Spotify's already dominant market stance.
Spotify's CEO, Daniel Ek, has previously accused Apple of creating App Store policies that suppress innovation and choice.
Spotify lodged a formal complaint with the EU in 2019, criticizing Apple's policy of charging a 30% fee for transactions in the App Store, which includes music subscription services, asserting that this gives Apple's own service, Apple Music, an unfair edge since it isn't subject to the same fee.
Furthermore, Spotify contends that Apple's regulations prevent them from informing users about alternative, more economical subscription methods outside the App Store.
Contradicting this, Apple stated that Spotify does not actually conduct subscriptions within the App Store in the EU, therefore, it pays no commission to Apple. Apple stresses it supports developers, including Spotify, which has grown with the help of Apple's services to become a leading music streaming app available in 160 countries.
Reports indicate that the European Commission is nearing the end of its investigation into the matter. Apple mentioned that Spotify has choices such as using a direct link to their website for subscriptions, which it has not utilized. Despite Spotify’s claims of restrictive competition, it has attained over 50% market share in Europe.
Apple also pointed out that Spotify can employ various methods like email and social media to communicate alternatives for subscriptions outside the App Store.
Criticizing the EU regulators, Apple argues that the prolonged scrutiny has not shown any proof of consumer harm or monopolistic behavior by Apple, suggesting the probe might only reinforce Spotify's already dominant market stance.
Spotify's CEO, Daniel Ek, has previously accused Apple of creating App Store policies that suppress innovation and choice.
