Apple changes course: EU consumers get better Spotify app after $2 billion fine

Among the many anti-consumer complaints filed against Apple in recent years, Spotify’s fight over “obvious” updates finally seems to be bearing fruit. Spotify filed an antitrust complaint in 2019, alleging that Apple’s policies hurt Spotify and boosted its Apple Music business. After a nearly $2 billion fine, Apple is now making changes that level the playing field a bit. The biggest change is that Spotify can now display subscription prices in the app and tell users how to purchase a subscription on its site. Previously, that wasn’t possible because Apple insisted that Spotify implement in-app purchases in order to display those prices.

However, in-app purchases would mean paying Apple a 30% commission each time. And, naturally, Spotify refused to join in. That doesn’t mean everything is resolved, though. Apple still won’t let Spotify let users tap a button to go to the Spotify website and make a purchase.

Unfortunately, Spotify and all other music streaming services in the EU are still unable to freely give consumers the option to click on a link to make an in-app purchase due to the illegal and predatory taxes that Apple continues to demand, despite the Commission ruling.

The funny thing is that Spotify tried to do this back in April, but Apple wouldn’t allow the update. A little over three months later, and suddenly it’s allowed. Makes me think Apple might be a little afraid of another $2 billion fine. Then again, $2 billion isn’t much for a company like Apple.

Image Source – Spotify

It’s also pretty annoying that you can’t just click a link to go to the Spotify website. But if the ability to show pricing information is allowed, maybe that will be possible in the near future.

The controversy over Spotify and Apple is not the only antitrust case brought against Apple in the EU. For example, this year the EU forced Apple to allow third-party NFC payments on the iPhone. EU consumers can now also download apps on the iPhone, which has disrupted Apple’s gated garden.

Apple’s iPhones are some of the best phones on the market today. But I think it’s becoming increasingly clear that they’re getting better in the EU.