EU fines Apple €1.8B for Spotify antitrust case, Apple to appeal
Apple expressed its intent to contest the EU’s decision in court, stating the ruling disregards the lack of credible proof of consumer harm and overlooks a flourishing and competitive market
The European Commission has imposed a first-time fine of 1.8 billion euros ($1.95 billion) on Apple for restricting Spotify and other music streaming services from offering alternative payment options outside its App Store. This verdict follows Spotify’s 2019 complaint concerning these limitations and Apple’s 30% App Store fees.
The EU competition authority deemed Apple’s restrictions as unfair trading practices. Margrethe Vestager, EU antitrust chief, explained how Apple exploited its market dominance for a decade by limiting developers from suggesting cheaper music services outside the Apple ecosystem, a violation of EU antitrust regulations. Apple is instructed to eliminate App Store constraints, aligning with requirements from the new Digital Markets Act (DMA), which Apple must comply with by March 7.
Apple expressed its intent to contest the EU’s decision in court, stating the ruling disregards the lack of credible proof of consumer harm and overlooks a flourishing and competitive market. The company further remarked that Spotify, the primary proponent and benefactor of this decision, holds the world’s largest music streaming app and has engaged extensively with the European Commission.
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