Playing music via apple devices charges the consumer with certain amount depending on the site.it happens than some apps in the apple store complains on higher chargers thus apple reducing the amount of competitors since whole using apple music the charges are lower but when you stream the same music using Spotify you get higher charges thus reducing competition in the wrong way. European Commission anti-trust regulator Margre the Vestager tweeted that “consumers are losing out”.
Apple faces a large fine and may be forced to change its policies if its arguments do not convince regulators. Previously it has denied any wrong-doing. The case is looking specifically at how its App Store policies affect music streaming. The charge was initially filed in 2019 by co-founder of Spotify Daniel Ek, who said that Apple was “limiting choice and stifling innovation”
“At the core of this case is Spotify’s demand they should be able to advertise alternative deals on their iOS app, a practice that no store in the world allows,” it said in a statement. “Once again, they want all the benefits of the App Store but don’t think they should have to pay anything for that. The Commission’s argument on Spotify’s behalf is the opposite of fair competition.”
“It’s an important step towards a fair competitive landscape where dominant market players like Apple have to compete with independent companies like Deezer on quality of service, innovation and consumer experience, rather than artificially created barriers and a lack of a level playing field.” Earlier Ms. Vestager tweeted that the preliminary conclusion of the EC was that “Apple was in breach of EU competition law” and “charges high commission fees on rivals in the App Store and forbids them to inform of alternatives”.
Epic Games, the makers of Fortnite, also filed a similar complaint as part of an ongoing dispute with Apple over its 30% cut on in-app purchases.
