Apple faces antitrust violation charges by the Competition Commissioner for the European Union. The challenge claims that Apple “distorts competition for music streaming by imposing unfair rules for rival services in its App Store.” For example, the platform requires all app developers to use Apple’s payment system, “which charges a 30 percent commission on all subscriptions.” The other concern is that “Apple prevents app makers from telling users about cheaper ways to pay for subscriptions that don’t involve going through an app.” Apple refutes the accusations and has 12 weeks to respond to the antitrust violation.
“The EU’s executive Commission said it objected to Apple’s rules for music streaming services that compete with its Apple Music service, saying they end up costing consumers more and limiting their choices.
The charges underscore the long-running feud over app payments between Apple and popular music streaming service Spotify, which filed a complaint that sparked the investigation.”
“Once again, they want all the benefits of the App Store but don’t think they should have to pay anything for that,” Apple said in a statement. “The Commission’s argument on Spotify’s behalf is the opposite of fair competition.”
Spotify welcomed the EU’s move. It’s “a critical step toward holding Apple accountable for its anticompetitive behavior, ensuring meaningful choice for all consumers and a level playing field for app developers,” the company’s chief legal officer, Horatio Gutierrez, said in a statement.
– Excerpt from an article for The Associated Press. Read the full article here.
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