The tech giant presents arguments in closed Brussels hearing.
Apple is preparing to defend itself against a revised EU antitrust charge that accuses the company of impeding music streaming competitors like Spotify from informing users about alternative purchasing options outside of its App Store. In a closed hearing in Brussels, Apple will present its case to senior European Commission officials and national competition agencies.
Earlier this year, EU antitrust enforcers strengthened their case against Apple’s “anti-steering obligations,” which prohibit app developers from directing users to external buying options. However, the previous charge regarding Apple’s mandatory use of its in-app payment system was dropped. The European Commission argues that the anti-steering obligations violate EU regulations against unfair trading conditions, an innovative legal argument in an antitrust case.
Apple has consistently refuted the merit of the case, which originated from a complaint filed by Spotify in 2019. The company highlights Spotify’s dominant market share in Europe, where Apple Music typically ranks third or fourth in most EU countries. Additionally, Apple contends that it has revised its rules to permit reader apps like Spotify and Netflix to include links to their websites for user sign-ups and payments, thereby allowing developers to bypass the controversial 30% App Store fee.
Reader apps encompass various content types, including e-books, videos, and music, which require payment during the sign-up process. Spotify, present at the hearing, has urged the European Commission to make a swift decision. The executive branch of the EU refrains from commenting on the scheduling or details of oral hearings.
