Antitrust: Apple changes rules for apps like Spotify – 04/06/2024 – Tech

Apple announced this Friday (5) measures to make it easier for music streaming applications present in the App Store to inform their users about other ways to purchase digital services, thus complying with a European Union rule.

The announcement comes weeks after the iPhone maker was fined 1.84 billion euros by the EU for undermining the competition of its rivals in the music segment through restrictions imposed on the App Store.

The European Commission said in March that the restrictions amounted to unfair trading conditions and that the company should stop such conduct.

Following a complaint in 2019 filed by the Swedish streaming service Spotify, the Commission accused Apple last year of preventing the company and other apps from informing users about payment methods outside the App Store.

This Friday, Apple announced that it will allow developers of music applications to invite users to provide their email address to receive a link that redirects them to the company’s website, in order to purchase content and services there. musicals, and inform them about where and how to buy items, as well as the price.

The company said the announcement brings “even more” flexibility to music apps, including Spotify, which has 56% of the European market.

Spotify did not immediately respond to a request for comment.