The European Competition Commissioner is visiting the United States and has met with Tim Cook, clarifying the issue of third-party apps, among other interesting issues.
A important visit has arrived to America, especially for technology companies. This is Margrethe Vestager, the European Competition Commissionerthat has met with the leaders of the main technology companies in the United States, including Apple. He has visited San Francisco and Palo Alto where he already had contact with Tim Cook and they touched on a sensitive topic for those from Cupertino.
The App Store and Apple Music in the spotlight
Vestager posted on Twitter/X about third-party alternatives in the App Store and recently about an investigation carried out by the EU in which antitrust actions have also been detected. On January 11, 2024, the meeting in the following photo took place. Beyond having all the diplomatic overtones, it appears to have been a satisfactory meeting.
The problem for Apple is that it is no longer just the App Store that is “vulnerable” to the EU. Apple Music, which is one of the most successful and longest-running streaming services in Apple's catalog of services, is already entering dangerous territory. What will Tim Cook and Apple give in this time?
In February 2023, The EU indicated through the European Commission about a violation of antitrust law by Apple Music by restricting advertising subscriptions by developers. According to the press release issuedindicates that There are contractual restrictions that Cupertino imposed on the developers themselves.
They do not have the ability to inform users of other music subscription alternatives at lower prices outside the app. This began with its main competitor, Spotify, mentioning alternative subscription methods.
Who else does the European Competition Commissioner visit?
According to an interview published by Bloombergthe Commissioner is in America for an antitrust conference to see what's new regarding business and new European obligations. He defined it as a “legal challenge” that companies like Google and Apple have faced..
Regarding the App Store, it was stated that they have until March 7 for Apple to carry out due compliance, the issue of third-party stores stated that Apple must allow them without exception. The interviewer pointed to an interesting question about cybersecurity risk. Margrethe Vestager concluded by indicating that safety is crucial but that it is equal for everyone as competitors..
He defined the relationship with Apple as a “good and constructive cooperation” regarding the fulfillment of said obligations. He also stated that they are evaluating Twitter/X about the recent changes they are making and whether they comply with the Services Law, which is also linked to freedom of expression.
On the other hand, Vestager met with Qualcomm leaders, with the CEO of Google and Alphabet, Sundar Pichai; also with Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger. With the latter they are dealing with an investment issue in the EU.