Listen to the audio version of the article
Thanks to the entry into force of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the package of community rules on the web that became mandatory in September, the Swedish music streaming giant will finally be able to provide Apple users with what was previously barred to them: direct communications in the Spotify app about subscriptions, updates, product prices, and offers and promotions. «One of the main criticisms of Spotify was actually something that until now has been out of our control: the ability to subscribe and make purchases on Spotify from your iPhone – writes the company in a statement. «Thanks to the DMA, a future of superfan clubs, alternative app stores and the possibility for creators to download Spotify for artists or Spotify for podcasters directly from our site awaits us. In this way it will be possible to switch from a Free subscription to a Premium subscription within the app, or see the price of an audiobook while browsing and purchase it directly on the app”, the company announced.
What is the DMA and what does it change.
The DMA introduces substantial changes for the “gatekeepers”, the digital giants who control access to their platforms, including Apple. From 7 March – the deadline imposed by the EU – these will have to comply with community rules “to create a fairer innovative environment, to guarantee the same working and development conditions for everyone”. In practice, large technology companies will have to allow third parties to interact with their services and allow developers to promote their offers and conclude contracts with their customers outside their platform. After 17 years of monopoly, it is a real a tsunami for Apple which will have to, at least in the EU, transform its Store from a closed system to an open system, allowing sideloading, i.e. being able to download apps from a third-party source, other than the official one. Apple has always declared itself against the practice, which, in its opinion, would undermine the security of its platform and its users. Furthermore, Apple will be obliged to give developers the opportunity to promote their offers outside the App Store and to use third-party payment systems.
Spotify sings victory?
Spotify has long been one of the most critical voices towards Apple’s rules, which it said effectively limited the experience of its service with rules created specifically to favor the proprietary music streaming service Apple Music. «For years, even in our app, Apple imposed rules that did not allow us to communicate offers, the cost of a product or even where or how to buy it. With the DMA, we will finally be able to share the details of offers, promotions and more convenient payment methods in the EU. Furthermore, all of this can now happen without the burden of a mandatory 30% fee, which is prohibited by the DMA,” Spotify said in a statement, referring to the high fees that Apple has always imposed on developers. “We will continue to fight because freedom from gatekeepers means more choice for consumers and a positive impact for artists, authors, creators and developers.” The struggle continues.