Apple vs. Spotify is heating up
Apple and Spotify have been in a trade war for a couple of days now as the battle for best music-streaming service heats up. Both companies have now entered into an anti-trust case, but the arguments might be mute because Apple controls the platform. It all started with Spotify recently accusing Apple of unfair practices. Spotify’s pointing fingers at Apple because of their control over the iOS platform. Spotify to date has over 30 million paying users with Apple at just below half at 13 million. A huge difference, and if Apple is really doing this for competitive reasons, I could totally see why.
Spotify takes a heavy shot from Apple
Spotify recently accused Apple of bending some rules as a move to drive out Apple Music competitors. In their move, Apple is requiring apps such as Spotify to use their own in-app billing system to sell subscriptions to users. Apple offers a platform to host various tools and services app developers would need such as In-App purchases, ads, and paid applications. The whole platform is very well built to allow developers to seamlessley integrate those features into their applications without hassle.
Spotify doesn’t agree with Apples decision.
Spotify general counsel, Horacio Gutierrez wrote:
“It continues a troubling pattern of behavior by Apple to exclude and diminish the competitiveness of Spotify on iOS and as a rival to Apple Music, particularly when seen against the backdrop of Apple’s previous anticompetitive conduct aimed at Spotify.”
Apple general counsel and VP of Legal and Global Security Bruce Sewell fired back with this statement:
“Our guidelines apply equally to all app developers, whether they are game developers, e-book sellers, video-streaming services or digital music distributors; and regardless of whether or not they compete against Apple. We did not alter our behavior or our rules when we introduced our own music streaming service or when Spotify became a competitor.
Ironically, it is now Spotify that wants things to be different by asking for preferential treatment from Apple.”
Although Apple is firing back stating that Spotify’s app isn’t even in compliance with the App Store Guidelines.
Bruce Sewell states:
“I would be happy to facilitate an expeditious review and approval of your app as soon as you provide us with something that is compliant with the App Store’s rules.”
Spotify vs Apple Music Library
Apple and Spotify both boast to have more than 30 million songs in their library. Both having pros and cons. Spotify has a bunch of songs added every day, topping 20k+. While Apple Music tends to have more “Exclusive titles.” Spotify has a popular “New Releases” tab where users can discover new and upcoming artists. Spotify use to reign as the king of music until Apple caught up to Spotify’s library.
Apple is waiting for Spotify’s response
After their recent statement from Bruce Swell:
“Our guidelines apply equally to all app developers, whether they are game developers, e-book sellers, video-streaming services or digital music distributors; and regardless of whether or not they compete against Apple. We did not alter our behavior or our rules when we introduced our own music streaming service or when Spotify became a competitor.
Ironically, it is now Spotify that wants things to be different by asking for preferential treatment from Apple.”
As an app developer I don’t know how to feel about this. I never liked the fact that Apple was taking 30% of revenue from app developers. But they do host the platform for developers to publish their apps on. I am probably going to wait for some more concrete evidence on what both parties are discussing before I make a decision. I’m all for competition.
Apple is still waiting for a response from Spotify. No word from them yet. The question is, what do you think about Apple and Spotify’s case? Let us know in the comments down below!