According to the latest report, the EU side is asking whether Apple will change anything after the $1.95 billion fine.
After the European Union fined Apple for blocking music streaming companies from promoting cheaper alternatives to the App Store, regulators are assessing whether Apple is now in compliance. yours or not.
A $1.95 billion fine on March 4, 2024, is related to this issue. Previously, Apple objected, saying the EU had not "discovered any credible evidence of impact on consumers".
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According to Bloomberg, "Apple" then accepted the EU's decision. In a change made Friday to its App Store rules, Apple said it would no longer block EU developers from linking to alternative payment methods.
However, the company will still charge a 27% fee for accounts purchased this way.
According to Games Fray, the EU is “currently assessing whether Apple is in full compliance with this decision.”
In theory, this is the latest compliance investigation launched by the EU against Apple. However, this is unlikely to be a fully compliant investigation in the direction of the previous investigation.
It will be easier for the EU to determine whether Apple has actually lifted its anti-regulatory procedures. While Spotify continues to complain about Apple's fees, there's nothing in the Digital Markets Act that says Apple can't charge for sales generated through links on App Store apps.
Spotify stated its disagreement and recently re-commented before Apple was fined.
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Jeanne Moran - Spotify spokesperson said:
“Currently, Apple continues to challenge that decision. The decision takes effect from April 6, the Commission can initiate proceedings if the airline fails to comply and impose daily fines. It is time for decisive action to give consumers choice once and for all.”
The claim of consumer choice comes as 56% of music streaming consumers chose Spotify over Amazon Music, YouTube Music and Apple Music.
Apple's latest App Store rules include a section on how “music streaming apps in specific regions may use the Music Streaming Service Permission to attach a link (possibly in buy button) to the developer's website to purchase digital music content or services. "