I just have trouble with that definition.
They are only distributing the free app - just like in the cases of Uber/Lyft
The App isn't the product here - the content is.
That's exclusively hosted and licensed by Spotify
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Spotify on Apple's Response to App Store Dispute: 'Every Monopolist Will Suggest They Have Done Nothing Wrong'
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I just have trouble with that definition.
They are only distributing the free app - just like in the cases of Uber/Lyft
The App isn't the product here - the content is.
That's exclusively hosted and licensed by Spotify
They don't sell it on the App Store. Meanwhile, they can't even promote that they don't sell the premium services in the App Store/
They're filing where they are based- perhaps just a start.
40% of their paid subscribers are in Europe also..
http://www.businessofapps.com/data/spotify-statistics/
[doublepost=1552778244][/doublepost]Everyone defending Apple here..
What do you think of Apple's policy to not even allow Spotify (or any similar business model) to have a web link or Safari view controller to allow customers to subscribe directly with Spotify that way?
- Installed app on iOS — seamless.
- Authenticated via Facebook (didn't try website) — seamless. But I imagine the website route could have been just as seamless given that they can redirect you right back to the app when done, exactly as the Facebook route did.
- Selected some artists and listened to some songs — seamless.
- Controlled playback from Apple Watch — seamless.
- Accessed the Premium tab. They advertise it, but say that it can't be purchased on this device. They don't even say WHERE you can access it. Links may not be allowed, but surely they could say "Go to our website and purchase it." ... ? Or would doing that break the app store rules?
- Attempted to contact Spotify through Facebook — fail. Their auto-bot was just plain annoying.
- Attempted to contact Spotify through website — fail. Only references to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
- Tweeted to them, but based on what I've seen, I don't really expect a reply. They do reply to tweets, but there doesn't seem to be any discussion around their "Play Fair" campaign against Apple.
The whole campaign seems to about the 30% markup that Apple adds during the first year. I do -partially- agree that this is rather high, but then it does drop down to 15%, which is definitely more digestible. But they really want 0% so that their pricing is equal everywhere? Is this their goal?
I don't believe their claims about HomePod or Siri. Those sound very whiny to me, and they are spreading some misinformation, according to Apple.
I do hope their campaign gives Apple some food for thought, and that Apple meets them in the middle. But at the end of the day, I don't sympathize with Spotify at all over how they've handled this. If they were truthful about everything, then it may be different.
Incorrect.
30% for the IAP/ first year of subscription.
Spotify pay an annual fee to stay in the App Store, that is completely separate. Please do some more reading.
I don't know if I buy that - I think they just want it to be something much more reasonable and they'd likely try to just pass along the difference as a higher subscription fee on iOS, just like Google does right now.
They can't really do that right now as this is a thin margin business and there isn't 30% of margin (or even close) just laying around and being hoarded by Spotify.
You STILL are not getting the point.
Apple is processing the payment for Spotify, a company who is selling a subscription based service to the consumer through the “store” which Apple has built.
They are taking a cut, 30% like it or not because that is the price they decided was fair for their services. They have nothing to do with Spotify’s backend streaming, severs etc.
When you use Uber and lyft, you are just using the app to set up a meeting point between yourself and another human being so they can transport you to a destination. You pay the driver. You can even pay cash. Apple is not processing the payment. As their terms of service are currently written, they do not require a price of that pie. Apples store, their terms.
Apple has made it easier for developers of all sizes to sell subscription services to consumers by building it into their app SDK. All developers are free to use their own external subscription service.
Is that clear? I’m really struggling to connect with you.
Cheers.
Wikipedia also states Apple to be a multinational corporation, though headquartered in Cupertino. The majority of its products are manufactured in Asia, most notably Foxconn.
Yes, they are hq'd in Stockholm, just as Apple is hq'd in Cupertino. However, like Apple, they truly are a multinational company. A list of their offices:
Stockholm, Sweden
- Antwerp, Belgium
- Toronto, Canada
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Helsinki, Finland
- Paris, France
- Berlin, Germany
- Hong Kong
- Milan, Italy
- Tokyo, Japan
- Bogotá, Colombia
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Oslo, Norway
- Warsaw, Poland
- Singapore
- Madrid, Spain
- London, United Kingdom
- New York City, USA
- Mumbai, India
Incomplete, not incorrect. I’m not obligated to rehash apples terms of service word for word.
But thanks - your contribution to the troll god will be remembered.
?
Where does that happen?
I've never once "paid the driver" in an Uber/Lyft transaction and certainly never in cash.
That sounds like "a Taxi" - haha
The service (App Store) is provided within the EU jurisdiction.
Regardless of whether the customers are, the service is available in a jurisdiction, and Spotify have opted to file in their home jurisdiction.
Agreed!
I think they should be able to say that in their App though, and link to it, don't you?
(both prohibited by Apple)
Let's be more simplistic: Can I pay for it using an iTunes Gift Card? Yes then Apple can take the 30% cut. No, Apple cannot. You cannot directly pay Lyft/Uber with your iTunes account.
In "some" cases it's free, and Apple gets nothing for those free versions. But otherwise it's not free, and in those cases they are distributing a paid subscription app whose subscriptions are processed / banked by them. It's no mere transaction fee.
Even if we were to isolate that and classify Apple as a "payment processor" and "gateway" ... payment processors / gateways don't charge mere assessment / transaction fees. The percentages vary greatly. Granted, companies like PayPal, and Square attempt to remain competitive, but there are many others that don't attempt to compete with their low rates, nor do they have any reason to.
Actually, it is incorrect.
I quote you, verbatim:
A competitor gets 30% when Spotify chooses to distribute their app on apples platform
That is simply not correct. It is not incomplete, it is factually incorrect. Your key argument of distribution makes it imperative. Else if you have used something else, it would have been incomplete.
I think you've hit it on the head..
Apple is just doing transactions here and the percentage is the dispute.
For the service of "the subscriptions are processed/banked" by Apple
What fee do you think is fair?
Surely, for that specific type of service here and no hosting of content or licensing (which is where nearly all the real cost is), the fee should be something much much lower than 30%, no?
[doublepost=1552779053][/doublepost]
Is that a good policy in your opinion?
Is that good for Apple iDevice customers to have it made that much more difficult to subscribe?
Again, I’m not saying apples business practices are kosher, I just don’t think they are a monopoly.
If you guys really want to trash Apple wait til we hear how their services are joining forces with the likes of the Hollywood elite in 9 days.
.... because anyone deserves millions of dollars to play make believe on film.
Meanwhile police, fireman, nurses etc can’t afford to take their families out to see a movie.
So I veered - sue me.
Regardless of the outcome that will have no impact on all app stores outside EU.
[doublepost=1552779146][/doublepost]
Any EU judgment is only valid within EU.