Spotify Opens The Opportunity To Buy Audio Books And Subscription Packages In Europe, Avoid 30% Apple Fees
JAKARTA - Spotify users in Europe will be able to buy audiobooks and live subscription packages through the music streaming app from March. According to the Swedish company on Wednesday, January 24, this happened, thanks to the region's new competition law against Big Tech.
The move will help the company avoid a cost of 30% from Apple for purchases through its App Store, which has long been a source of dispute between the app developer and the tech giant.
Spotify has been involved in legal battles for years, claiming they were forced to raise their monthly subscription prices to cover costs related to Apple's App Store rules.
"Over the years, Apple has a rule where we can't tell you about the offer, how much something is valuable, or even where or how to buy it," Spotify said in a blog post.
"DMA (Digital Markets Act) means we will eventually be able to share details about more lucrative bids, promotions, and payment options in the EU," Spotify said.
Under DMA, which all Big Tech companies must adhere to on March 7, companies are required to treat their own products and services as competitors do.
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Apple plans to challenge the European Union's decision to put the entire App Store on the bloc's new list of digital antitrusts, Bloomberg News reported in November.
On Tuesday, January 23, Apple asked a court in London to reject a mass lawsuit worth around $1 billion filed on behalf of more than 1,500 app developers regarding its App Store rules.
Apple also received criticism from Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who called App Store's policy and cost structure a problem and caused a conflict of interest.
"We're always interested in helping developers distribute their apps, and new options will add more competition in this space," Meta said on Wednesday, January 24. "Developers deserve more ways to easily convey their apps to people who want them."