Spotify reports that updates to its iPhone app in the EU are being delayed by Apple. Despite Spotify’s efforts, Apple has not yet responded to the app update, which includes features such as pricing information and subscription links directly within the app.

Despite Apple being fined $2 billion in the European Union for past complaints from Spotify regarding its App Store rules, Spotify alleges that Apple is still obstructing updates that comply with the ruling. In an email to the European Commission obtained by The Verge, Spotify states that Apple has neither acknowledged nor responded to Spotify’s submission to include subscription pricing information within the app. As a result, Spotify is unable to update the app for its users, including fixing bugs or adding new features.

On March 5th, Spotify submitted an update to Apple for its EU version of the app. This update includes links to Spotify’s website and pricing information for various subscription options directly within the app, bypassing Apple’s payment system. Spotify implemented this change in response to a ruling by the European Commission issued the day before, which deemed Apple’s anti-steering rules “illegal” and mandated that Apple permit developers to provide information about “alternative and cheaper music subscription services.” Despite this submission, Spotify has yet to receive acknowledgment or response from Apple, hindering the app’s ability to be updated for users in compliance with the ruling.

Apple responded to the decision on March 4th by announcing its intention to appeal and highlighting a list of “ways Apple creates value for Spotify, at no cost to their company.” Spotify highlighted in the email that despite submitting the update to Apple, they have yet to receive any response from the tech giant. This lack of communication from Apple has left Spotify in limbo, unable to move forward with the necessary changes mandated by the European Commission’s ruling.

The absence of a response not only contradicts Apple’s claims of prompt review processes but also undermines the timeline set forth by the Commission for compliance. This silence from Apple raises concerns for Spotify, suggesting potential deliberate delays or avoidance tactics, which could ultimately hinder the company’s efforts to adhere to regulatory requirements and provide transparency to users.

The company emphasizes that this situation is “yet another example of how Apple, if unchecked, will seek to circumvent and/or not comply with the Commission’s decision.” It urges the European Commission to intervene by contacting Apple and ensuring approval of Spotify’s changes. The email expresses concern that Apple’s delay may be intentional and aimed at either postponing or avoiding compliance altogether.

“It’s been nine days now and we’re still waiting to hear from Apple about our app submission to show EU consumers pricing and a link to our website, which we are now authorized to do by the European Commission’s decision on the music streaming case,” stated Spotify spokesperson Jeanne Moran in an emailed statement to The Verge. “Apple’s delay directly conflicts with their claim that they turn around reviews on app submissions within 24 hours, and it also flies in the face of the timeline for adoption the Commission laid out.”

Apple did not provide a comment in response to a request from The Verge.
This ruling is separate from the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations for big tech platforms that have only been around for about a week, but the European Commission has already intervened in response to one of Apple’s DMA-related decisions. Earlier this month, Apple revoked Epic Games’ developer license because of criticism CEO Tim Sweeney made about Apple’s DMA compliance plan. Epic Games regained its developer license shortly after it was revoked by Apple, attributing the reinstatement to what they described as “a swift inquiry” from the European Commission.