The regulator found the tech giant broke antitrust rules by banning music streaming platforms from informing iOS device users about ways—sometimes cheaper ones—that they could subscribe outside their apps. Apple said it would appeal the decision. (The Logic)
Talking point: Lots of software companies have sued or slammed Apple and Google for their app store policies, including the cut they take from download fees and all ensuing in-app payments. Regulators and courts around the world have often concurred, ordering changes. Spotify—which instigated the EC investigation via a March 2019 complaint—dubbed the decision a win for consumer choice. Apple claims Spotify owes “a large part” of its success to the App Store, but is trying to rewrite its rules. The iPhone maker also said it’s adapting practices to comply with the continent’s Digital Markets Act, but the EC is enforcing those rules preemptively. The competition law, which kicks in Wednesday, has forced changes on many of the tech giants, and the EC fine for Apple is one of the largest antitrust penalties it’s ever issued.