The famous music streaming platform, whose relations with Apple have been strained for years because of App Store policy, is particularly pleased with the arrival of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in Europe. Indeed, Spotify will be able to free itself from the Apple firm’s payment system and invoice its European customers directly in its app, and this at no additional cost for the Swede. Explanations.
In a blog post titled DMA means a better Spotify for artists, creators and consumers, the number 1 in music streaming details the measures that will be put in place within the framework of the legislation. By March 7, the 22 services falling within its scope, including the App Store, will have to comply with numerous additional rules. They will, among other things, be prohibited from favoring their products to the detriment of others, must guarantee interoperability with the competition, and allow users to uninstall all pre-installed applications from their devices.
A much smoother experience for users
The payment policy implemented within the App Store should be directly affected by the regulations. Today, applications have no choice but to go through Apple’s payment method, allowing the Californian giant to pocket 30% on all in-app purchases.
“ For years, even in our own app, Apple imposed rules where we couldn’t tell you about offers, how much a product costs, or even where or how to buy it », protests Spotify. The platform now promises the arrival of an in-app payment system on iOS, a function that it removed in 2016, exempt from any royalties to Apple. Spotify users currently have to upgrade to the desktop version of the service to subscribe. In Europe, Spotify and Apple have been locked in a legal battle over App Store practices since 2019.
“ Soon, if you want to purchase a Premium subscription or an audiobook, or if you are looking to seamlessly switch from an individual subscription to a Duo or Family subscription to save money, you will be able to do so in just a few clicks », Indicates the company. She also mentions the integration of “ alternative app stores ” in the future.
Apple has not yet said its last word
It is still difficult to predict to what extent Spotify will be able to implement these new features. Indeed, the Cupertino company is reportedly developing strategies that will allow it to comply with legislation on digital markets while continuing to earn its valuable commission on in-app purchases. She would even consider levying it on software installed outside the App Store. European regulators have nevertheless promised great intransigence towards the tech giants, who will face fines of up to 10% of their global turnover in the event of violation of the law.
You only need to cross the Atlantic to observe how Apple circumvents regulatory requirements. Last week, American justice forced it to allow developers to promote third-party payment methods in the App Store. Measure that it has put in place, while taking care to establish a new policy allowing it to deduct 27% from purchases made through these alternatives. Spotify, like Epic Games, strongly criticized this decision.
Source : Engadget
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