By Granth Vanaik
(Reuters) – Apple (NASDAQ:) announced measures on Friday to make it easier for music streaming apps on its App Store in the European Economic Area to inform users about other ways to purchase digital services, in an effort to comply with EEA regulations. ‘European Union. mandate.
The announcement comes weeks after the iPhone maker was fined 1.84 billion euros ($1.99 billion) by the EU for thwarting competition from music streaming rivals through restrictions on its App Store.
The European Commission said in March that Apple’s restrictions constituted unfair trading conditions and that it should put an end to such behavior.
Following a 2019 complaint by Swedish streaming service Spotify (NYSE:), the Commission last year accused Apple of preventing the Swedish company and others from informing users about payment options outside of its App Store.
Apple on Friday said it will allow developers of music streaming apps to invite users to provide their email address to send them a link to the developer’s website to purchase digital music content or services, and to let them know where and how buy items as well as on the price.
The company said the announcement provides “even more” flexibility to apps from music streaming services, including Spotify, which has a 56% share of the European market.
Spotify did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Apple, however, said the Commission’s decision does not affect its ability to charge a fee for all the tools, technologies and ongoing services it provides.
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