Spotify remains to be making an attempt to get Apple to approve EU iOS app updates

Spotify launched a brand new model of its iOS app with in-app pricing info for customers within the European Union on how a lot they’d pay for subscriptions made outdoors of Apple’s fee system – however Apple blocked it once more.

Spotify says Apple rejected the request as a result of it won’t request the precise and pay Apple the fee it fees on purchases made via exterior hyperlinks. As a part of an EU regulation handed earlier this 12 months, Apple should permit music streaming apps to incorporate exterior hyperlinks for buy. Nonetheless, Apple up to date guidelines say that app builders might want to train the rights to music streaming providers, and that they are going to nonetheless cost charges on these purchases.

Apple spokesperson Hannah Smith supplied a message Apple despatched to Spotify that mentioned, “This proper is required even when your app doesn’t include an exterior hyperlink (and doesn’t require you to supply an exterior hyperlink). Nonetheless, we are going to approve model 8.9.33 after you settle for the music streaming service’s phrases of service (EEA) and resubmit it for evaluation.”

In accordance with TechCrunchThe newest model of the app does not embody a direct hyperlink to subscription plans on Spotify’s web site, which the corporate hoped would permit it to bypass the 30 % low cost Apple fees for subscriptions made via the App Retailer. As a substitute, EU customers will likely be requested to manually go to the Spotify web site by way of an online browser to buy cheaper subscription plans.

The earlier model of the applying, which did include hyperlinks to web sites posted by Spotify final month. In keeping with Spotify, Apple has not accredited the replace and has “not confirmed or responded” to it. The corporate says the newest model it tried to approve comprises “minimal” costs and web site info as set out within the European Fee ruling. fined Apple 1.84 billion euros. (about $2 billion).

“Apple has as soon as once more defied the European Fee’s choice by rejecting our replace for trying to inform prospects about our costs until we pay Apple a brand new tax,” Spotify spokeswoman Jeanne Moran mentioned. Edge. “Their disregard for customers and builders is matched solely by their disregard for the regulation.”

The EU’s choice follows a four-year investigation into App Retailer guidelines that prevented music providers from promoting cheaper subscription affords outdoors the iOS platform. That is an investigation initiated by itself Spotify’s antitrust grievance was filed in 2019 The greater than 30 % “Apple tax” discovered that Apple “abused its dominant market place” by stopping builders from telling their prospects about cheaper various providers.

The choice means Apple should permit music streaming builders to speak freely with their customers. Apple may also nonetheless should approve Spotify’s newest app earlier than EU prospects can see up to date pricing info. “It’s gone time for the Fee to implement its choice so customers can see actual, constructive advantages,” mentioned Spotify Chief Communications Officer Dusty Jenkins.

The EU antitrust case is unrelated to the aforementioned DMA guidelines, however Apple opposed each selections, saying it could enchantment the $2 billion fantastic. The European Fee additionally needed to intervene. power Apple to reverse its choice revoke Epic Video games developer license after Epic CEO and longtime Apple critic Tim Sweeney referred to as the corporate’s DMA compliance plans “scorching rubbish.”

Replace April 25, 9:40 a.m. ET: Famous that Apple rejected Spotify’s provide.