The Swedish music streaming application Spotify has accused Apple of being a “monopolist”.
Spotify filed a complaint with European Union against Apple IOS App Store for unfair rules, Apple rebutted Spotify’s claims by saying Spotify wanted “all the benefits of a free app without being free”.
Spotify said that “Apple’s response to our complaint before the European Commission is not new and is entirely in line with our expectations. Every monopolist will suggest they have done nothing wrong and will argue that they have the best interests of competitors and consumers at heart.”
Apple had also released a statement after the complaint with the EU, its statement reads, “”A full 84 percent of the apps in the App Store pay nothing to Apple when you download or use the app. That’s not discrimination, as Spotify claims.”
The music streaming application started services for Indian consumers in February this year. According to Spotify, “Apple requires it and other digital services to pay a 30 percent tax on purchases made through Apple’s payment system, including upgrading from a free to premium subscription.”
If Spotify pays the taxes, it inflate the price of its premium membership well above the price of Apple Music.
Apple said that it’s revenue share would be just 30 percent for the first year, and then fall to 15 percent. “The only contribution that Apple requires is for digital goods and services that are purchased inside the app using our secure in-app purchase system,” Apple said.