Spotify Technology’s CEO Daniel Ek has intensified a long-standing dispute with Apple Inc., accusing the tech giant of repeatedly disregarding the European Union’s Big Tech regulations. Ek criticized Apple’s efforts to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), labeling them a “farce.” He claimed that Apple has employed a “well-established pattern of delaying and stalling” its adherence to the DMA, which imposes strict guidelines on the behavior of dominant tech companies.
“It is time for Europe to demonstrate that we will enforce the law that has already been enacted,” Ek stated in an interview with Bloomberg on Tuesday, mentioning that scrutiny of Apple’s actions has also gained traction among U.S. regulators. EU competition chief Teresa Ribera has previously committed to making a decision regarding Apple’s compliance with the DMA by the end of March. The DMA grants her authority to impose fines of up to 10% of the company’s global annual revenue. However, the EU risks inciting a reaction from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently signed a memorandum threatening retaliatory tariffs against “disproportionate” penalties. Ek traveled to Brussels to meet with European Commission officials involved in enforcing the DMA against Apple. He has long been an outspoken critic of the company, pushing the EU to take action. Following a complaint from Spotify, the Commission imposed a €1.8 billion ($2 billion) fine on Apple last year for preventing music-streaming apps from informing users about cheaper subscription options outside the App Store, and has since opened investigations into similar issues under the DMA.
Apple did not comment on Ek’s remarks but referenced a prior statement expressing its “deep concern” over a pornography app that was made available through a third-party app store launched last year in the EU. Ek is now advocating for the EU to compel Apple to permit alternative app stores on the iPhone, a requirement mandated by the DMA. In March, Apple announced plans to allow alternative app marketplaces on iOS, albeit with certain conditions and additional costs. “The way Apple has approached allowing more app stores has made it nearly impossible to create a new one, while imposing significant fees that make competition unfeasible,” Ek remarked. A spokesperson for the European Commission in Brussels stated that proceedings against Apple are ongoing and will conclude once the case has sufficiently matured.
Ek’s ongoing frustrations with Apple come as Spotify experienced its best year yet for user growth in 2024 and reported its first annual profit. Most of its new users have come from regions in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, rather than more mature markets like North America and Europe. Meanwhile, Apple continues to battle app developer Epic Games Inc. in the U.S., more than four years after the Fortnite creator accused the tech giant of violating antitrust laws.
