The European Commission fined Apple nearly €1.8 billion ($1.92 billion) over its rule that forbade music streaming apps from informing users of subscription options outside the company’s.
What just happened? Spotify has spent five years accusing Apple’s music streaming subscription policies of being anti-competitive, and the European Union just ruled overwhelmingly in Spotify’s favor. Apple argues that it deserves a cut for its role in Spotify’s success. Meanwhile, another battle looms between the companies over sideloading and new fees.
The European Commission fined Apple nearly €1.8 billion ($1.92 billion) over its rule that forbade music streaming apps from informing users of subscription options outside the company’s platform. Spotify, the case’s lead claimant, praised the decision, while Cupertino vowed to appeal it.
For nearly a decade, music streaming apps on iOS like Spotify couldn’t direct users toward premium subscription payment channels outside the App Store, such as a streaming company’s website.
