14 DAY TRIAL // Spotify has already criticized Apple for the 30 percent cut it takes on App Store purchases, and after previously filing an antitrust complaint in Europe back in 2019, the company CEO is asking for prompt action against the Cupertino-based tech giant.
In a series of tweets, Daniel Ek explains, with the help of links from consumer watchdogs from across the world, that Apple violates competition rules by favoring its own apps in the App Store.
More specifically, Ek says Apple promotes Apple Music on the App Store, whereas Spotify needs to a pay 30 percent fee for all subscriptions that customers get through the app on their iPhones and iPads.
“Four years ago, we filed a complaint detailing @Apple’s anticompetitive practices. Over and over again @Apple gives itself every advantage while at the same time stifling innovation and hurting consumers. Apple acts in self interest but also doesn’t seem to care about the law or courts, or for consumer choice,” Ek explains.
The Spotify CEO also points to remarks released by other tech CEOs who criticized Apple for the App Store commission. Including Epic CEO Tim Sweeney, that is – Epic is currently at war with Apple, so seeing Spotify citing the company’s CEO isn’t necessarily a surprise.
In the end, Ek explains that while competition watchdogs across the world have already criticized tech companies for the violation of antitrust rules, they need to take prompt action and eventually protect users out there.
“At the most basic level, we’re fighting for the freedom of people who bought smartphones to install apps from sources of their choosing, the freedom for creators of apps to distribute them as they choose, and the freedom of both groups to do business directly,” he said, citing Sweeney. “So how much longer will we look away from this threat to the future of the internet? How many more consumers will be denied choice? There’s been a lot of talk. Talk is helpful but we need action.”