Spotify criticises Apple’s new all-in-one subscription bundle on antitrust grounds

Spotify has criticised Apple’s announcement of an all-in-one subscription bundle. The music streaming company said that Apple was misusing dominant position to push its own services. It is worth noting that Apple One bundle includes Apple Arcade, TV+, iCloud and most importantly Music for $14.95.

“Once again, Apple is using its dominant position and unfair practices to disadvantage competitors and deprive consumers by favouring its own services. We call on competition authorities to act urgently to restrict Apple’s anti-competitive behaviour, which if left unchecked, will cause irreparable harm to the developer community and threaten our collective freedoms to listen, learn, create, and connect,” a Spotify statement read.

Spotify has been quite vocal about Apple’s App Store policies. In March last year, the company filed a complaint against Apple with the European Commission. Spotify has maintained that Apple’s policies have intentionally disadvantaged competitors and created an unlevel playing field.

Apart from Spotify, Epic Games has level similar allegations against Apple which has blocked the studio’s popular Fortnite on iOS. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has long opposed Apple’s controversial 30% tax on app revenues.

Apple, in the meanwhile, said that Apple One bundle is perfect for anyone who wants to get more at less service. In its release, Apple had said that Apple One Individual plan offers a savings of over ₹177 per month, while the Family plan offers a savings of over ₹200 per month.’

“Customers can discover and enjoy alternatives to every one of Apple’s services. We’re introducing Apple One because it is a great value for customers and a simple way to access the full range of Apple’s subscription services. We’ll be recommending the Apple One plan that saves you the most money based on the subscriptions you already have. It’s perfect for anyone who loves any of our services and wants to get more for less, and it’s especially great for families. Also select services included in Apple One are available to enjoy on non-Apple devices, and you can cancel anytime,” Apple is quoted as saying.