As the European Commission continues its investigation into Apple's App Store policies, the tech giant has spoken out about its relationship with music streaming competitor Spotify. At the heart of the matter is Spotify's desire to gain "limitless access" to Apple's tools and services without paying a penny.
Apple insists that Spotify wants to reap the benefits of being part of the App Store ecosystem – including seamless integration across Apple devices, thousands of APIs, and TestFlight support for nearly 500 app versions – without contributing to the value it receives. "We're happy to support the success of all developers, including Spotify, which is the largest music streaming app in the world," a statement from Apple reads. "However, their complaint is about trying to get limitless access to all of our tools without paying anything for the value we provide."
The European Commission's investigation into the streaming music market was initially sparked by Spotify's complaints about App Store rules that prevent users from subscribing directly through its app without using in-app purchases and without paying a fee to Apple. Spotify has been working with the commission since 2015, filing multiple complaints along the way.
Despite claims that Apple's policies harm competition and stifle growth, the streaming music market has actually grown significantly over the past decade – presenting a challenge for the European Commission as it narrows its focus on anti-circumvention rules that prevent apps from informing users about lower subscription prices available outside of the App Store. The commission has not pursued Apple for requiring in-app purchases nor found evidence of anti-competitive practices harming consumers.
Apple believes Spotify's complaints are not about creating a better deal for consumers, but rather about gaining an unfair advantage by rewriting the rules to suit its own interests. "Spotify wants unlimited access to our technology, App Store reach, and to monetize through the App Store without paying anything to us," Apple claims.
The European Commission has expressed concerns that Apple's anti-circumvention rules could lead to confusion for consumers, resulting in higher prices – but Apple disputes this view, suggesting it has been heavily influenced by Spotify's ongoing complaints. The commission has also stated that Apple's rules are "detrimental to users of music streaming services on Apple's mobile devices."
In the meantime, Spotify remains the dominant streaming music provider in Europe and other countries, with much of its success attributed to the App Store. If the EU does fine Apple over this matter, it is likely that the company will appeal the decision – leaving the antitrust battle between Apple and Spotify far from resolved.
Update: In response to Apple's comments, a Spotify representative stated: "We don't have a level playing field with Apple and trust that the European Commission will take action to create a fair ecosystem."