It is not really something new if one hears about Apple going head to head against somebody else, seeing how they have been involved in issues against different phone manufacturers and app developers over the years. The tech community, after all, has laid such a hugely competitive playground. This time, Apple has been accused of altering their App Store review process to stop Spotify in its tracks and push Apple Music ahead. We asked experts who sell iPhones about the issue and here´s what we found out.
Apple Answers Back
Buzzfeed has obtained a copy of Bruce Sewell, Apples chief counsel, to Spotify and his words were very direct. He explained that their App Store guidelines has always been and will always be applied equally and fairly across all app developers. E-book sellers, game developers, video streaming providers and digital music distributors all these are subject to the same rules regardless if they directly compete against any of Apples products or not.
Sewell also stated that he is deeply troubled that Spotify seems to be asking Apple to make exemptions considering that all app developers go through the same process. He also chided Spotify for spreading rumors and half-truths about their App Store service just because they refuse to abide by the rules.
Spotify has become a direct competitor because of the presence of Apple Music, which basically offers the same services that Spotify provides. Sewell has stated that as a matter of fact, it is Spotify whos asking for preferential treatment because of all the allegations they have been throwing around.
The Accusation
Spotifys newest version has been rejected by Apple, with the latter saying that the updates applied go against the App Stores business model rules. Because of this, Spotify has accused Apple of using their review process to manipulate the guidelines so that it can push Apple Music to users. Their words were very strong, saying that Apple is using the approval process as a weapon that harms its competitors.
In the new Spotify version, a sign-up button has been added while the in-app purchase button has been removed. The App Store has some in-app purchase rules in place however, and this move by Spotify is said to be an attempt to find loopholes around the Apple guidelines. Yes, each app can offer account subscriptions when users land on pages outside the App Store. Within the app however, these alternate subscription options are not allowed.
Sewell still opens up the lines of communication between Apple and Spotify though, telling Spotify that should they submit a version that complies with each of their rules, then they would be more than happy to approve it. Sewell has even gone ahead and offered his personal help in getting the approval.
This mess has been pushing music-streaming users into different sides, with some saying that Spotifys accusations are out of the line, and some believing that the App Store guidelines are unreasonable. As for us and the others who have not taken sides, well see what happens next.
Cesar is a Product Manager at Gadget Salvation, a leader in the refurbished electronics industry. An avid technology enthusiast, he’s always on top of the latest tech trends and applies that knowledge to drive product innovation.
