The European Commission has quietly ended its investigation into Apple’s rules regarding e-books and audiobooks after the original complaint was withdrawn. The probe, which started in 2020, focused on how Apple required third-party app developers to use its own in-app payment system while preventing them from suggesting cheaper alternatives. The investigation was similar to one regarding music-streaming apps, which led to a $2 billion fine for Apple. However, the complainant for the e-book issue has withdrawn, causing the Commission to drop the case without taking any further action. The European Commission did clarify that the closure doesn’t mean Apple’s actions were in line with EU rules.
Spotify’s complaint doesn’t really surprise me. They’re not about fairness, they just want everything for themselves. They want to be on every platform, get all the benefits, but don’t want to pay for it.
@Clove
I get why Spotify complains about Apple’s rule, but remember that the same rule was judged illegal in the Epic case. Apple’s anti-steering practice was a big issue. They forced developers to use Apple’s payment system and not tell customers about cheaper alternatives.
@Parker
The thing with books is, they aren’t big enough to make a huge impact. Kindle is massive, and other book platforms aren’t as popular. It’s hard to argue that Apple is holding back competitors here. That’s likely why the case is being dropped; it’s hard to prove Apple is gaining an unfair advantage. I’m all for other payment options, but I still want to be able to use Apple Pay.
@Rowan
The problem with Apple’s practice isn’t about the size of the market. They’re stopping developers from telling users about cheaper options, and that’s illegal. It’s likely that the case is bundled with other issues Apple has with DMA violations, so it doesn’t need separate action. The Commission made it clear that just because the investigation is closed doesn’t mean Apple’s conduct was acceptable under EU law.
@Parker
It makes sense to have payments go through Apple to protect users, but a 30% cut is way too much. If that was really the reason for Apple’s rule, the percentage should be much lower. And it’s crazy that Apple prevents apps from telling users they can sign up elsewhere.
@Drew
Yeah, I agree that taking a cut is reasonable, but 30% is way too much. Spotify, for example, doesn’t have enough margin to pay that kind of fee.
Reilly said:
@Drew
Yeah, I agree that taking a cut is reasonable, but 30% is way too much. Spotify, for example, doesn’t have enough margin to pay that kind of fee.
I agree completely. A reasonable cut is fair, but the 30% Apple takes is way too high.
@Clove
Apple doesn’t allow companies to link to their own sites or offer other payment methods. How is that fair? Spotify isn’t the only one being unfair in this situation.
Niko said:
@Clove
Apple doesn’t allow companies to link to their own sites or offer other payment methods. How is that fair? Spotify isn’t the only one being unfair in this situation.
Spotify is acting like they’re the good guys, but they’re not. They’re using the EU to take down Apple while acting worse themselves. They pay major record labels, but small artists get almost nothing.
@Clove
Spotify isn’t the only one acting unfairly. Apple’s actions, like stopping app developers from sharing cheaper alternatives, is equally bad. And let’s not forget that Apple has made deals with some questionable governments while pretending to be all about fairness.
@Niko
Apple follows the laws of the countries they operate in. And Spotify could’ve gotten a better deal too, but they chose to keep complaining about Apple’s fees.
Clove said:
@Niko
Apple follows the laws of the countries they operate in. And Spotify could’ve gotten a better deal too, but they chose to keep complaining about Apple’s fees.
Nice try, keep defending Apple.
@Niko
Keep enjoying Spotify. They sure didn’t help the artists out with their payments.
@Clove
Spotify had a lot to say about Apple stopping them from creating a Spotify watch app. They even threatened legal action against a random person who made a free Spotify watch app. But then they went back to complaining about not having their own app.
@Benaiah
Just classic Daniel Ek behavior.
@Clove
Spotify started giving me a premium trial that I didn’t ask for, and now I can’t even pay for it because of sanctions. All other services can be purchased through the App Store, but Spotify won’t let me. I don’t care about the 30% fee, I just want to pay.
@Lyle
Spotify wants your personal information, and they’re using the EU complaints as a tool to create their own monopoly, led by Tim Sweeney and Epic.
The European Commission has quietly closed its investigation into Apple’s rules for third-party e-book and audiobook developers. The probe was initially opened in 2020 after complaints about Apple forcing developers to use its payment system while also preventing them from informing customers about other payment methods. After a long investigation, the complainant in this case decided to withdraw their complaint, leading to the closure of the investigation without further action. The Commission clarified that this does not mean Apple’s conduct complies with EU competition rules.
@True
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