August
Following the EC’s March 2024 ruling in the music streaming case, EU consumers will begin seeing pricing information for streaming plans in the Spotify app on iPhones … only a small step in the long march towards giving Spotify iPhone consumers the product experiences they expect and deserve.
June
European Commission regulators announced preliminary findings that the terms and fees on developers Apple rolled out in March don’t comply with the DMA — which could result in another fine if Apple doesn’t make changes.
May
The UK’s Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers (DMCC) bill becomes law. If enforced correctly, it will make the digital marketplace more competitive and give consumers lower prices, more choice, and more control.
April
In response to the European Commission’s music-streaming case, Apple proposes (another) new fee for music-streaming services who want to link out to purchase from their apps; the EC says it will investigate whether or not the plan complies adequately.
March
Because of the European Commission’s decision in the music-streaming case, Spotify submits a new app that would offer EU customers pricing and a link to purchase subscriptions—changes authorized by the EC’s decision—but Apple stalls on approving the app.
March
The US Department of Justice announces its lawsuit against Apple for violating US federal antitrust law—making it clear Apple harms consumers and developers and abuses its market dominance.
March
The European Commission says it’ll investigate Apple’s noncompliance with the Digital Markets Act because it “suspects” Apple’s proposed approach “would fall short of effective compliance.”
March
The Digital Markets Act comes into enforcement—but Apple’s unworkable compliance plan evades the law. Spotify and other companies urge the EC to take action protecting developers from Apple’s efforts to sidestep the intent of the DMA
March
The European Commission decides Apple’s behavior toward competing music streaming services is illegal and imposes a €1.84B fine — an important moment in the fight for a more open internet for consumers. The EC’s conclusion is clear: Apple’s behavior limiting communications to consumers is unlawful. Spotify is pleased that this case delivers some justice in Europe, but it does not solve Apple’s bad behavior toward developers beyond music streaming in other markets around the world.
January
Apple offers an “idea for compliance” with the Digital Markets Act — a proposed approach that creates new fees on developers if they try to avail themselves of their rights under the new law. (Apple doesn’t comply.)
November
Apple’s financial filings say it “expects to make” changes to comply with the EC’s DMA, but still files a legal challenge, saying it shouldn’t be subject to the EC’s effort to protect its consumers and businesses via the law.
September
The European Commission officially designates Apple and others as “gatekeepers” under the EC’s DMA—an important step confirming that Apple and other gatekeepers are subject to the terms of the DMA, which could bring relief to consumers in Europe, if properly enforced.
February
The European Commission sends a new Statement of Objections to Apple, confirming once again that Apple’s abuses harm consumers.
October
Apple rejects app updates intended to introduce an intuitive audiobook-purchasing experience on Spotify.
July
The European Commission gives final approval for the Digital Markets Act, its landmark effort to rein in the abuses of big tech companies.
April
The European Commission sends Statement of Objections to Apple, taking a preliminary view that Apple has abused its dominant position.
June
The European Commission launches a formal investigation into Apple.
April
Apple announces that it will allow Siri integration for Spotify on certain devices.
March
Spotify asks the European Commission to protect consumers and companies against Apple’s harmful practices.
February
Apple prohibits the use of its API to recommend podcasts to users.
September
Apple finally allows enhanced functionality for the Spotify app on the Apple Watch.
July
Apple rejects Spotify’s app for using the phrase “Get in, Get Premium.”
May
Apple rejects Spotify’s app for showing the word “free” in app screenshots on the App Store.
Feb
Apple HomePod launches without Spotify support.
November
Apple rejects Spotify’s app again because of a campaign that makes reference to a Spotify Premium promotion.
June
App Store Guidelines are tightened once again. Rival apps have to agree not to “directly or indirectly target iOS users to use a purchasing method other than IAP or discourage the use of IAP.”
2016-2017
Apple continues to make more frequent, unexpected, and unjustified rejections of our app updates.
September
Apple rejects Spotify’s proposal for an Apple Watch app yet again.
June
Apple tightens the App Store Guidelines, prohibiting Spotify from including “calls to action.”
May
Apple threatens to remove Spotify from the App Store.
May
Spotify opts out of Apple’s in-app payment system, meaning users can no longer upgrade to Premium in the Spotify App.
June
Apple Music launches.
April
Apple refuses to allow Spotify on the Apple Watch.
June
Spotify adopts Apple’s in-app purchase system and, because of Apple’s 30% tax, has to raise prices.
2011 - 2014
For the next three years, we continue to face intense pressure from Apple to adopt their payment system
October
Siri launches on the iPhone but won’t play Spotify
February
Spotify elects not to use Apple’s in-app purchase system, meaning consumers can no longer upgrade to Premium through the app.
February
Apple eliminates payment system choice and imposes a 30% fee on content-based apps like Spotify and prohibits us from showing customers how to upgrade any other way
2010-2011
Apple starts changing its App Store Guidelines. Apple not only has unilaterally changed the rules time and again, but also frequently decides to interpret (and re-interpret) them in ways to disadvantage rivals like us.
November
Spotify becomes available on the App Store
October
Spotify launches on desktop in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Spain
July
The App Store launches
June
The iPhone launches
Spotify is founded