Spotify files a complaint against Apple, saying its App Store rules 'purposely limit choice and stifle innovation'

Daniel Ek.
(Image credit: Ilya S. Savenok / Getty Images)

Spotify has filed a complaint with the European Commission over Apple's App Store, arguing the regulatory body must "take action to ensure fair competition."

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek on Wednesday accused Apple of introducing rules in the App Store that "purposely limit choice and stifle innovation," allowing the company to act "as both a player and referee to deliberately disadvantage other app developers." Ek said that Apple gives itself an "unfair advantage" by requiring companies like Spotify to pay a 30 percent tax on purchases made using its payment system. Paying the tax would require the company to raise prices, he explained, while not paying requires it to incorporate "a series of technical and experience-limiting restrictions."

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Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.