EU TO STUDY SPOTIFY'S APPLE COMPLAINT

The EU’s regulatory body intends to study Spotify’s claim that Apple deliberately uses its App Store to put other app developers at a disadvantage, the FT reported today.

Spotify filed a complaint to the European Commission in March stating that Apple places “unfair restrictions on marketing and promotions that benefit consumers.” Spotify CEO Daniel EK claimed Apple Music has an unfair advantage over his music streaming service and that outside developers are locked out from the platform. Apple pushed back against Ek’s complaint.

Discouraging words against Apple are rarely heard as many app developers prefer to not ruffle the feathers of the industry leader. Will the EU, which fined Google $1.67b this year and $5b last year, find more disgruntled voices among those who have kept silent? Stay tuned.