The problem with Apple releasing its own music-streaming service is that it now has to compete with existing services like Spotify without using its control over the iOS ecosystem to hinder the competition. There haven’t been many issues in this regard, but after preventing Spotify from releasing an update for its iOS app, Apple is now being accused of exhibiting “a troubling pattern of behavior” that Spotify considers to be anti-competitive.
Apple Music competitor Spotify has accused Apple of rejecting an update to its official iOS app, claiming that the iPhone maker has exhibited “a troubling pattern of behavior” that’s anti-competitive. Spotify’s allegations were revealed in a letter the streaming music service sent to Apple general counsel Bruce Sewell this week, a copy of which was obtained by Re/code. In the note, Spotify attorney Horacio Gutierrez alleges that Apple’s App Store policies are “causing grave harm to Spotify and its customers.” In an effort to gain support for its case, the letter was also provided to U.S. government officials, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). The note likely played a part in comments made by Warren this week, accusing Apple of using its platform dominance to hurt competitors like Spotify. At issue is Apple’s share of sales and subscriptions that go through software available on the iOS App Store. For years, Apple has taken a 30 percent cut of all App Store sales, encompassing paid downloads, in-app purchases, and ongoing subscriptions.
