Apple Rejects Spotify’s EU Update, Continuing App Store Dispute

Spotify’s latest iOS app update, which includes in-app pricing details for subscriptions made outside of Apple’s payment system, was rejected by Apple.

According to The Verge, Spotify’s update was rejected because it did not comply with Apple’s requirement to use the Music Streaming Services Entitlement and pay Apple a commission for purchases made through external links. Despite an EU ruling earlier this year requiring Apple to allow music streaming apps to include external purchase links, Apple’s updated rules still involve taking a commission from these purchases.

Apple’s rejection message to Spotify stated, “This entitlement is required even if your app does not include an external link (nor does it require that you offer an external link). We will, however, approve version 8.9.33 after you accept the terms of the Music Streaming Services Entitlement (EEA) and resubmit it for review.”

TechCrunch reported that the latest version of Spotify’s app does not contain a direct link to subscription plans on Spotify’s website, as the company hoped to avoid the 30 percent cut Apple takes on subscriptions made via the App Store. Instead, EU users will be directed to manually visit Spotify’s website via a web browser to purchase cheaper subscription plans.

Spotify had previously submitted a version of the app with website links, but Apple didn’t approve the update; it didn’t even respond to the submission. The latest version Spotify submitted for approval featured the minimum pricing and website information required under the European Commission ruling that fined Apple €1.84 billion.

Spotify’s spokesperson, Jeanne Moran, told The Verge that Apple’s rejection represents a defiance of the European Commission’s decision. Moran highlighted that Apple declined Spotify’s update because it sought to inform customers about pricing without paying Apple a commission, which she likened to a “new tax.”

Spotify’s chief public affairs officer, Dustee Jenkins, emphasized the importance of the EU’s ruling, stating, “From now on, Apple will have to allow music streaming developers to communicate freely with their users, be it within the app, or by email, or any other way of communicating.”

The rejection of Spotify’s update comes amid ongoing tensions between Apple and third-party app providers regarding App Store rules and fees in the EU. Apple’s compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has been described as “malicious,” with Spotify refusing to adopt Apple’s optional DMA changes.