Now, European users of the site can see prices and offers within the Spotify application for iPhone.
Progress a little in the pricing discrimination for Spotify
Recently, the news appeared that Spotify enhanced the representation of the prices for its subscription plans for the European listeners of the iOS application. Now, as a result of ending the trial period, the subscribers will be able to see the price for each plan right within the app.
This change was made following the alteration of various guiding polices that cover the manner in which pricing related details are presented in apps dedicated to streaming music. However, after refusing the update submitted by Spotify in April to insert this information, the Apple company accepted this update.
The context: a heavy penalty in the form of an embargo from the European Union
Now let us situate this change. In this year spring, the European Commission with prudence and precaution made up its mind to penalize Apple €1. 8 billion. At issue: the so-called ‘anti-competitiveness’ rule that Apple has established in the App Store that restricts access of music streaming application. The decision made, was in response to a complaint that the Swedish music streaming service brought against Apple, alleging that the company was violating antitrust rules through giving preferential treatment to its own products, iTunes and Apple Music.
Now, following Apple’s opening, users of Spotify will be able to find the information about the prices, as well as about the promotional offers, in the app.
The last piece to external payment solutions
However, limitations remain. “Sadly, Spotify and all music streaming services in the EU cannot yet provide consumers with a single click purchase from inside the app because of the illegal and predatory taxes that Apple still insists on, even after the Commission,” the company said in the publication.
It also estimates that if the European Commission complies with its decision properly, iPhone users can get more benefits that include cheaper payment methods and a superior in-app product experience.
Now, it turns into the European Commission’s responsibility to enforce its decision in order to provide leveling the playing field for all the music streaming players.
