Spotify Submits New EU App Version Without Website Link
On Wednesday, Spotify announced that it has submitted a revised version of its app for European Union users, which includes pricing details and basic site information. Notably absent from this version is a link to the company’s website.
The revised app submission comes in the wake of Apple’s recently introduced Digital Markets Act (DMA) changes, which impose a “core technology fee“ on developers surpassing 1 million annual downloads. Spotify has opted not to participate in this new fee structure.
Bare Minimum Details in Compliance with EC Ruling
According to Spotify’s chief public affairs officer, Dustee Jenkins, the updated app features the bare minimum details required by the European Commission’s ruling:
“Despite Apple’s attempts to punish developers with new fees, we remain committed to giving consumers a real choice in our app at no increased cost. That’s why we have submitted a new update to Apple. It features basic pricing and website information – the bare minimum outlined under the European Commission’s ruling in its music streaming case.”
Jenkins further emphasized that by charging developers for communicating with consumers through in-app links, Apple continues to violate European law, urging the Commission to enforce its decision to ensure consumers experience genuine, positive benefits.
Awaiting Apple’s Approval
The revised app version is currently pending Apple’s approval. Once approved, Spotify’s free users in the EU will have access to information about the benefits and pricing of various premium plans. However, they will not be able to click on a link directing them to the company’s website to purchase these plans.
Spotify mentioned that the final version will include text indicating that users must visit the website through their browsers to purchase a plan.
Previous Update Submission and EC Fine
Last month, Spotify submitted a similar update to the App Store with a link to its website, which Apple did not approve, and the music-streaming company received no response from Apple.
Spotify contends that under the DMA, gatekeepers like Apple’s App Store should permit businesses to promote various offers to users within their apps.
The previous update submission followed the European Commission’s imposition of a €1.84 billion ($ 2 billion) fine on Apple for its anticompetitive practices in the music-streaming market. Apple has stated its intention to challenge the EC’s decision.
“From now on, Apple will have to allow music streaming developers to communicate freely with their own users, be it within the app, or by email, or any other way of communicating.”
– EC commissioner Margrethe Vestager
5 Comments
Looks like Spotify’s remixing more than just playlists with those EU price tags, huh?
Spot the difference: Spotify’s pricing shuffle, a bold move or an oopsie in the streaming saga?
Spotify’s new EU pricing twist: financial genius or a digital fiasco waiting to happen?
So, Spotify’s shaking up the money tree with their EU pricing strategy, bold or desperate?
Spotify’s playing hardball with their EU pricing, but will it resonate or backfire?