In anticipation of Apple’s forthcoming changes to the iOS platform in Europe to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), 34 major tech companies, including Spotify, Epic Games, and Deezer, have joined forces to express their disapproval in a letter to the European Commission. The changes, set to roll out soon, involve allowing alternative app marketplaces on iOS and enabling developers to opt out of using Apple’s in-app payment system.
While these changes seem substantial, concerns about Apple’s compliance with the new law were raised earlier by Spotify in January. The music streaming giant criticized Apple’s new 0.50 Euro fee per download for developers, deeming it “extortion” and arguing that it undermines the DMA’s goals of offering more choice and control to consumers.
Now, as the March 6 compliance deadline approaches, Epic Games, Deezer, Threema, and other companies are echoing Spotify’s concerns. In their joint letter, the companies assert that Apple’s new terms not only disregard the spirit and letter of the law but also undermine the DMA and the efforts made by the European Commission and EU institutions to foster competitive digital markets.
The companies highlight several ways in which Apple falls short of complying with the DMA, including presenting a “false choice” between existing terms and the new ones, implementing a fee structure that hampers fair competition with alternative payment providers, and attempting to deter users from exploring alternative app stores.
Moreover, the signatories emphasize the critical role of new app stores and sideloading in fostering competition and choice for both developers and consumers. They argue that Apple’s new terms do not facilitate sideloading, making it difficult, risky, and financially unattractive for developers to opt for alternative distribution channels.
The outcome of this collective challenge to Apple’s proposed changes remains uncertain, with the iOS 17.4 update expected next week. Given the proximity to the compliance deadline, it appears that the battle over these issues is likely to continue for an extended period.
