Congress Reportedly Asks Spotify for Information on Apple's Alleged Anticompetitive Behavior

The U.S. Congress has requested information from Spotify related to its anticompetitive allegations against Apple, according to Reuters.

apple spotify
From the report:

The U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee reached out to the music streaming service with broad requests for information, according to one source, who added the request to the company was narrowed in follow up telephone calls.

In March, Spotify announced it filed an antitrust complaint against Apple with the European Commission over unfair App Store practices. Spotify took particular issue with Apple charging a 30 percent "tax" on only certain App Store purchases, calling it "discriminatory."

Apple only charges a commission on in-app purchases tied to digital goods, so apps providing real goods and services like Uber are exempt.

Apple also forbids Spotify and other developers from alerting users that they can sign up for a subscription or complete a purchase outside of its iOS app, and disallows Spotify from advertising deals to its customers in the app or by email, as these practices would circumvent Apple's in-app purchase system.

Apple labeled Spotify's complaint as "misleading rhetoric" and claimed that "Spotify wants all the benefits of a free app without being free," later adding that Spotify pays Apple a 15 percent commission for only about 0.5 percent of its paying subscribers, as part of its official response to the complaint.

Apple has faced increasing scrutiny as of late over the way it runs its App Store. In response, Apple said the App Store "welcomes competition," noting that it was created to be "a safe and trusted place for customers to discover and download apps" and "a great business opportunity for all developers."

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...

Top Rated Comments

itsmilo Avatar
83 months ago
„Apple also forbids Spotify and other developers from alerting users that they can sign up for a subscription or complete a purchase outside of its iOS app, and disallows Spotify from advertising deals to its customers in the app or by email, as these practices would circumvent Apple's in-app purchase system.“

i always thought this part was messed up. it is one thing not allowing 3party apps to be installed from other sources but this is clearly just unfair competition to make sure Apple is getting their share
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GeoStructural Avatar
83 months ago
I am rooting for Spotify on this one.

Get them a-h*les!

I cannot believe how people does not find anticompetitive that Apple does not allow them to tell users they can subscribe outside of their own system. It is already arguably unfair that they even have to pay to develop and publish the app in iOS (without existing an alternative store).
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WannaGoMac Avatar
83 months ago

OMG, Spotify is Booty Tickled that Apple Music is gaining on them and will soon stomp them out. Spotify proves to be childish.

They also want to replace AppleCore OS services with their services.... not going to happen... LOL
Unless Apple Music starts working on far more than their own platforms (yes they have an Android app) I really doubt that Spotify will lose. The market wants ability to use streaming on all their devices (Roku, etc) not just Apple. Meanwhile Spotify and Pandora seem to have apps for everything
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
StellarVixen Avatar
83 months ago
Why should Spotify be exempt from 30 percent fee? If you do not like platform, then remove your app from it. Problem solved.

Spotify wants special treatment that will increase their revenues, which is unfair to other apps and their developers.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macfacts Avatar
83 months ago
Apple wants all the benefits of being an American company with out paying the taxes
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Elyzien Avatar
83 months ago
OMG, Spotify is Booty Tickled that Apple Music is gaining on them and will soon stomp them out. Spotify proves to be childish.

They also want to replace AppleCore OS services with their services.... not going to happen... LOL
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)