Apple to revise payment rules for music streaming services amid billion-dollar EU lawsuit
Photo: Apple will change the payment rules for streaming music services (Getty Images)
Apple has announced a series of measures that will allow music streaming services to inform their users about various payment options outside the App Store. Previously, services could only be paid for through Apple's proprietary app, according to Reuters.
It is noted that the new rules will apply exclusively in the European Economic Area. This announcement by the American digital giant comes a few weeks after the EU fined it €1.84 billion for hindering competition in payment methods for music streaming services.
In March, the European Commission stated that Apple's restrictions were unfair trading conditions and that it "should stop such conduct." It accused Apple of not allowing Spotify and others to inform users about payment methods outside the App Store.
In response, Apple stated that they will allow developers of music streaming apps to offer users the option to provide their email address to receive links to the developer's website to purchase digital music content or services, as well as inform them where and how to purchase goods.
Legal disputes and fines against Apple
It was previously reported that on March 4, the European Union fined Apple $2 billion for violating competition laws. This came after a complaint from the streaming service Spotify.
Also, on March 21, the US Department of Justice sued Apple for allegedly violating antitrust laws by blocking competitors' access to iPhone hardware and software features.
