Spotify and Epic Games have criticized Apple’s revised EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) compliance plan, saying the tech giant’s proposed changes are “confusing,” “unlawful” and ultimately fail to address the landmark legislation. core questions raised.
apple The European Union announced a policy change on Thursday (August 8) that will allow app developers to communicate with their customers outside of their App Store. Previously, Apple only allowed developers to use “link output,” meaning an app could include a link that redirected customers to a web page where the contract could be finalized.
The DMA aims to curb the dominance of technology platforms by requiring companies such as Apple to allow app developers to use alternative payment systems and promote their services outside of mobile app stores.
Apple said that under the new policy, developers can now promote and offer offers directly within their apps, even if those offers are available on platforms other than their own websites.
The move comes in response to the European Commission’s accusation in June that the tech giant violated the DMA. Commission fines Apple in March 1.8 billion euros ($2 billion) abused its dominant position in distributing music streaming applications through its App Store.
The EU found at the time that Apple violated EU antitrust rules by restricting app developers from informing iOS users of alternative and cheaper music subscription services available outside of apps.
Apple’s policy change comes with the introduction of new fees for app developers. In an update to its developer support page, Apple said that apps in its App Store will be affected by “commission reductions” in any of the following areas: 10% or 17% Transactions regarding digital goods and services.
Developers can also choose to make additional payments using the App Store’s payment processing system. 3% cost. The company explains that they can also choose to use a payment provider within the app or direct users to a website for payment processing, without any additional fees to Apple.
In addition, developers will be charged for a large number of iOS applications distributed through the App Store or other channels 0.50 euros ($0.55) for each first annual install above the 1 million threshold. Apple estimates that under these terms, less than 1% of developers will pay core technology fees on their EU apps.
“By requesting as much as possible 25% Apple has once again blatantly ignored basic requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Spotify
In order to cope with these changes, Spotify Tell TechCrunch It is evaluating Apple’s “intentional obfuscation” proposal.
“At first glance, by asking as much as possible 25% Apple has once again blatantly ignored basic requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The European Commission has made it clear that imposing recurring charges on basic elements such as pricing and connectivity is unacceptable. We call on the Commission to expedite investigations, impose daily fines and enforce the DMA.
“Apple continues to maliciously comply and impose illegal new regulations 15% Charge garbage fees for users migrating to competing stores and monitor the commercial activity of these competing stores.
Tim Sweeney, Epic Games
epic gamedeveloper fort nightalso slammed Apple’s latest move and spoke with the CEO Tim Sweeney X wrote in the post: “Apple continues to maliciously comply and impose illegal new regulations. 15% Charge garbage fees for users migrating to competing stores and monitor the commercial activity of these competing stores.
Epic Games previously sued the tech giant for violating antitrust laws. Apple won the lawsuit last year, and the U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco upheld a 2021 lower court ruling that largely sided with Apple in the case.
Meanwhile, a European Commission official told Reuters: “We will evaluate Apple’s final changes to compliance measures while also taking into account any feedback from the market, especially developers.”
In addition to the DMA, the European Union has also formulated a new Digital Services Act, aiming to create a “safer digital space” for users. DSA recently mandated Tik Tok The EU will permanently scrap its incentive scheme after EU regulators raised concerns about its potential “addictive effects”.
global music business
