by Foo Yun Chee
BRUSSELS, July 20 (Reuters) – The European Commission is set to present new evidence in the investigation into Apple following a Spotify complaint, but no new formal charges are expected to be made, a move intended to speed the case, we learned from informed sources.
The EU executive suspects the iPhone maker of anti-competitive practices in the music streaming market because the rules of its smartphone application store (“App Store”) require developers to use its system of payment and prevent them from informing their customers of the existence of alternative means of purchase.
Spotify, a Swedish group competing with Apple in the online music market, believes that the new technology giant is enjoying an unfair advantage over the iPhone, in particular by receiving a commission on subscriptions and third-party services paid via its system. of payment.
The European Commission, which asked Apple last year to review its rules on the matter, was initially considering sending a new document called a “statement of objections”, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. This document usually introduces new complaints or has changes to the original complaint.
According to these sources, the European executive would have finally chosen to send Apple a letter setting out the facts, without new accusations, even if no final decision on the matter has yet been taken.
Such a letter usually contains new evidence reinforcing the original charges, which companies can respond to by submitting a written document.
When asked, the European Commission declined to comment.
Apple, which faces a fine of up to 10% of its global revenue, did not respond to requests for comment from Reuters. (Report Foo Yun Chee; French version Claude Chendjou, edited by Jean Terzian)