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Spotify and seven other companies have written a letter to the European Commission to complain against the Apple monopoly and its strategies for curbing competition. These companies believe that Apple is benefiting from an unfair advantage and ask for “swift and decisive” actions.
The music streaming company filed a lawsuit against Apple four years ago, and since then, both companies have had multiple disputes regarding the App Store policies. Spotify filed this lawsuit in 2019. Despite the fact that the EU has sided with Spotify, it didn’t issue a final ruling yet.
Spotify’s main argument is that its competition with Apple Music is unfair. Apple Music can evade paying a 30% fee. After all, it belongs to Apple, but Spotify has to pay that hefty fee from its subscription revenue. The letter also states that Apple is taking exorbitant rents from the app developers, and they have to stay in the App Store to be able to reach European consumers.
Spotify and seven other companies write an open letter to the EU to warn about Apple’s monopoly
The open letter is sent to the Executive Vice President of the European Commission, Margrethe Vestager. Basecamp, Deezer, Proton, Schibsted, European Publishers Council, France Digitale, and News Media Europe co-signed the letter. You can also read the full letter here.
Spotify also says the EU’s executive VP and former competition regulator failed to “act decisively” against Apple and its monopoly. The streaming platform wants the EU to be more decisive against “anti-competitive and unfair practices” taken by “certain global digital gatekeepers.”
“The time has come for urgent action from the EU to end Apple’s abusive behaviors. The EU has the opportunity to take the lead, but it must act fast as every day that passes is a loss for innovation and for the welfare of European consumers.” Spotify wrote.
The letter also accuses Apple of imposing unfair restrictions on businesses that hamper innovation and cause harm to European consumers and the development of apps and services.