European Commission Awaiting Apple’s Formal Response to Spotify’s Antitrust Allegations

The European Commission is awaiting Apple’s response in regards to Spotify’s accusation of anti-competitive actions.

According to a new report from Reuters, European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager has asked Apple a number of questions and is reportedly awaiting the company’s response ahead of making a decision in regards to Spotify’s antitrust complaints in the European Union

“We are looking into that and we have been asking questions around in that market but of course also Apple themselves, for them to answer the allegations,” said Vestager. “And when they come back, we will know more.”

At this point, it’s unclear whether the Cupertino company plans to respond to the questions, or when the European Commission plans to make a final judgment on the matter.

Spotify says Apple Music unfairly limits its streaming competitors and complains about the App Store‘s 30 percent fee for apps using the in-app purchase system. Apple also forbids developers from alerting users that they can sign up for subscription services outside of an app, allowing users to get around Apple’s commission on in-app purchases.



“Spotify targets Apple’s 30% cut — it refers to as a ‘tax’ — as a key element of its complaint but also references rules about how Apple restricts third-party app developers from communicating with customers,” reads the report. “Ultimately, Spotify wants Apple Music to be forced to abide by the same rules that Apple imposes on third-party apps.”

Apple has responded to Spotify’s accusations in the form of a discussion about the App Store in regards to competition and app developers, calling the complaints “misleading rhetoric.”

P.S. - Like our news? Support the site with a coffee/beer. Or shop with our Amazon link. We use affiliate links when possible--thank you for supporting independent media.