Spotify CEO Daniel Ek isn’t happy about the changes Apple wants to make to the App Store!

The Spotify CEO Daniel Ek criticized Apple’s actions in an X(Twitter) post, stating that their proposed changes signify a ‘new low, even for them.’ This statement follows Spotify’s assertion that Apple behaves as if ‘the rules don’t apply to them. Spotify’s boss, Daniel Ek, said Apple’s changes are really bad, and Spotify thinks Apple acts like rules don’t matter to them.

After sitting with our legal team to parse through the fine print of Apple's DMA announcement (that took a while), which is, at best vague and misleading, I wanted to share my thoughts.

While Apple has behaved badly for years, what they did yesterday represents a new low, even…

— Daniel Ek (@eldsjal) January 26, 2024

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek Condemns Apple’s App Store Changes and Fees

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, criticized Apple’s proposed changes to the App Store, stating they represent a new low for the company. He expressed concern that the changes, including new fees, would make it more challenging for Spotify to acquire customers.

Daniel Ek’s Opposition to Apple’s iOS Ecosystem Control

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has openly criticized Apple for its firm control over the iOS ecosystem. He has been vocal about his concerns regarding Apple’s restrictive policies and practices within its ecosystem, particularly concerning how they affect Spotify and other third-party apps.

Controversy Surrounding Apple’s Market Expansion Strategy

Apple said it will allow developers to make and sell apps in other stores in the EU when iOS 17.4 comes out, following the Digital Markets Act. Although it might seem like good news for app creators as it expands distribution options, numerous developers are unhappy because Apple will still regulate which third-party stores are accessible on its platform and impose charges for downloads on those platforms.

Twisting the truth

Ek described Apple’s response to the Digital Markets Act as “twisting the truth.”

Apple’s New Changes

• Apps with over one million downloads will need to pay a “core technology fee” for “each first annual install per year.”
• This greatly impacts apps like Spotify, which has over 100 million downloads in the EU, making it costly to acquire new customers.

Spotify’s Response

• Spotify calls the fee “extortion” and believes it will hurt developers, start-ups, and those with free apps.
• Even Spotify, a multibillion-dollar company, may need to maintain the status quo to stay profitable.

Apple’s Perspective

• Apple aims to support developers, including Spotify, acknowledging it as the world’s “most successful” music streaming app.
• The changes offer developers choices and claim that over 99% would pay the same or less.

Regulatory Challenges

• Apple’s strict control over the iOS ecosystem has led to regulatory scrutiny and criticism.
• Critics, including Ek, believe Apple’s tactics hinder innovation and fairness in the market.

Hope for Change

• Ek hopes the EU will scrutinize Apple’s changes and uphold the spirit of fairness and innovation in the digital marketplace.
• Apple’s alterations await EU approval, leaving room for potential adjustments.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, it’s clear that Spotify CEO Daniel Ek is really concerned about Apple’s plans. He’s speaking out because he believes these changes could affect how fair and innovative the digital world is. While we’re not sure how things will turn out, Ek’s stand shows how important it is for everyone to have a say in how the digital marketplace works, ensuring fairness and choice for developers and users alike.

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