Spotify complained to the European Commission today that Apple had not authorized an upgrade to the Spotify app that included membership pricing information and a link to its website. Spotify claims Apple has “not recognized nor responded” to its App Store proposal.
On March 4, the European Commission penalized Apple nearly $2 billion, alleging that the company abused its market dominance by prohibiting music streaming providers from informing users about lower subscription pricing outside their iOS apps. The EC stated that it is “illegal under EU antitrust regulations” for Apple to prevent developers from informing users about cheaper music subscription options.
Apple was advised to “delete anti-steering measures” in the European Union, so Spotify submitted an app update on March 5 that contained subscription pricing tiers and payment choices other than in-app purchases. Spotify has yet to receive a response from Apple since uploading the update.
Spotify informed the European Commission that Apple’s failure to respond is “yet another example” of how Apple “would endeavor to evade and/or not comply with the Commission’s judgment.” Spotify requested that the EC require Apple to approve the app upgrade.
In a statement to The Verge, Spotify also stated that Apple’s delay “clearly contradicts” Apple’s promises about reviewing app applications within 24 hours and “flies in the face of the timeframe for adoption” from the European Commission. As of right now, Apple receives no compensation from Spotify.