Spotify Wants Regulators to Crack Down on Apple

As a journalist closely following the tech industry, I believe Spotify’s ongoing battle with Apple is more than just a corporate fight. It’s a major issue that could shape the future of digital markets. Spotify has long accused Apple of unfair practices, and now, it is pushing regulators to take action. This issue affects app developers, consumers, and the way we access digital services.

Why Spotify Is Fighting Apple

Spotify’s complaints against Apple are not new. The company first filed an official complaint with the European Commission in 2019. The core of Spotify’s argument is that Apple’s App Store policies hurt competition. The main concerns include:

1. Apple’s 30% Fee on In-App Purchases

Apple forces app developers to use its own payment system, which takes up to a 30% commission on every transaction. This extra cost makes Spotify subscriptions more expensive compared to Apple Music, which doesn’t face the same fee.

2. Restrictions on Alternative Payment Methods

Apple does not allow developers to inform users about other payment options outside the App Store. This means Spotify cannot tell customers that they could pay less by subscribing through its website instead of the app.

According to Spotify, these policies limit consumer choice and make it harder for competing services to grow.

Global Response from Regulators

Regulatory bodies around the world have started taking action against Apple. Here’s how different countries are responding:

European Union’s Antitrust Case

• In 2021, the European Commission issued charges against Apple based on Spotify’s complaint.
• The Commission found that Apple’s policies harmed competition by raising costs for competitors and consumers.
• If Apple is found guilty, it could face fines of up to 10% of its global revenue, which amounts to billions of dollars.

India’s Investigation

• In July 2024, India’s Competition Commission ruled that Apple had abused its dominant position in the app market.
• The commission highlighted that Apple’s App Store policies were unfair to developers.
• The findings could lead to changes in how Apple operates in India.

United Kingdom’s Probe

• In early 2025, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation into Apple and Google.
• The goal is to assess whether their control over app stores harms competition.
• If regulators find Apple guilty, the company may be forced to change its policies.

France’s Antitrust Fine

• French regulators are considering fining Apple for its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) tool.
• The ATT feature, which limits data tracking, allegedly gives Apple an unfair advantage over competitors.
• If found guilty, Apple could face further fines.

Apple’s Response

Apple has denied all accusations, arguing that its policies ensure security and privacy for users. The company insists that its commission fees are fair and reflect the value the App Store provides. In response to Spotify’s claims, Apple stated that Spotify wants “all the benefits of the App Store but doesn’t want to pay anything for it.”

What This Means for the Tech Industry

Spotify’s fight against Apple could lead to major changes in the way digital marketplaces operate. Here’s what’s at stake:

For Developers

• If regulators rule against Apple, developers may have more freedom to choose payment methods.
• This could result in lower fees, making it easier for smaller companies to compete.

For Consumers

• More competition could mean better pricing and more choices.
• Consumers may gain access to alternative payment options, helping them save money on subscriptions.

For Other Tech Companies

• If Apple is forced to change its policies, other tech giants may also face scrutiny.
• Google, which runs the Play Store, could be next in line for similar investigations.

Conclusion

Spotify’s push for regulatory action is not just about its own business—it’s about fair competition in the digital world. With ongoing investigations in multiple countries, Apple may have to make significant changes. The results of these cases could impact millions of developers and consumers worldwide.

As I see it, this battle is far from over, and the decisions regulators make now will shape the future of digital marketplaces for years to come.