Apple has now answered the accusation that it caused “grave harm to Spotify and its customers” by rejecting an update to the music streamer’s iOS app. “We find it troubling that you are asking for exemptions to the rules we apply to all developers and are publicly resorting to rumors and half-truths about our service,” an Apple attorney wrote to Spotify.
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In a letter sent to Spotify obtained by Buzzfeed, Apple general counsel Bruce Sewell rebuffed accusations that Apple is “causing grave harm to Spotify and its customers” by rejecting an update to Spotify’s iOS app.
The letter continues:
“Our guidelines apply equally to all app developers, whether they are game developers, e-book sellers, video-streaming services or digital music distributors; and regardless of whether or not they compete against Apple. We did not alter our behavior or our rules when we introduced our own music streaming service or when Spotify became a competitor… Ironically, it is now Spotify that wants things to be different by asking for preferential treatment from Apple.
…I would be happy to facilitate an expeditious review and approval of your app as soon as you provide us with something that is compliant with the App Store’s rules.”
“Our guidelines apply equally to all app developers, whether they are game developers, e-book sellers, video-streaming services or digital music distributors; and regardless of whether or not they compete against Apple. We did not alter our behavior or our rules when we introduced our own music streaming service or when Spotify became a competitor… Ironically, it is now Spotify that wants things to be different by asking for preferential treatment from Apple.