Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL, ETR:APC) has hit back at Spotify's long-standing complaint to the EU, accusing the music streaming giant of seeking "limitless" access to Apple's tools without being willing to pay for them.
This spat comes amidst a potential €500m EU fine facing Apple over claims of anti-competitive behaviour linked to its App Store rules. According to weekend reports an investigation into Apple's alleged actions is set to be concluded imminently.
In a statement last night, Apple said: “We’re happy to support the success of all developers – including Spotify, which is the largest music streaming app in the world.
“Spotify pays Apple nothing for the services that have helped them build, update and share their app with Apple users in 160 countries spanning the globe.
“Fundamentally, their complaint is about trying to get limitless access to all of Apple’s tools without paying anything for the value Apple provides.”
Spotify, headquartered in Stockholm, complained in 2019, arguing that Apple's 30% fee on in-app purchases, including music streaming subscriptions, restricts competition and consumer choice. It also alleged that this fee gives Apple Music, a direct competitor, an unfair advantage.