Why Microsoft thinks Apple’s new rules for EU are “a step in the wrong direction”
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Microsoft has joined Spotify and Epic Games in criticising Apple‘s new rules aimed at complying with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). These rules, announced before the DMA officially takes effect in March, have drawn criticism from some developers and tech giants, with concerns mounting over potential anti-competitive practices.
Microsoft’s Xbox President, Sarah Bond, called Apple’s policy “a step in the wrong direction,” urging the company to “listen to feedback on their proposed plan and work towards a more inclusive future for all.” Replying to a post on X— by none other than big Apple critic and rival Spotify CEO — Bond said, “We believe constructive conversations drive change and progress towards open platforms and greater competition.Apple’s new policy is a step in the wrong direction. We hope they listen to feedback on their proposed plan and work towards a more inclusive future for all.”
Notably, Apple’s new policy on App Store would require developers using third-party app stores to pay €0.50 for each annual app install exceeding a million downloads, while Apple maintains a 17% commission on in-app purchases even if alternative payment processors are used.
What Spotify, Epic Games have to say
“This is effectively a tax on innovation and competition,” said Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, who has been a vocal critic of Apple’s app store dominance. He previously labeled Apple’s DMA announcement “at best vague and misleading,” arguing it doesn’t address the core issues of app store gatekeeping and unfair pricing.
Epic Games, known for its ongoing legal battle with Apple over Fortnite’s removal from the App Store, also offered a scathing assessment. CEO Tim Sweeney called the new rules “hot garbage” and a “devious new instance of Malicious Compliance,” accusing Apple of attempting to undermine the spirit of the DMA.
The DMA aims to curb the power of Big Tech companies like Apple and Google, which control the dominant app stores for mobile devices. It prohibits gatekeeping practices that hinder competition and allows developers to use alternative payment methods within apps.
Microsoft’s Xbox President, Sarah Bond, called Apple’s policy “a step in the wrong direction,” urging the company to “listen to feedback on their proposed plan and work towards a more inclusive future for all.” Replying to a post on X— by none other than big Apple critic and rival Spotify CEO — Bond said, “We believe constructive conversations drive change and progress towards open platforms and greater competition.Apple’s new policy is a step in the wrong direction. We hope they listen to feedback on their proposed plan and work towards a more inclusive future for all.”
Notably, Apple’s new policy on App Store would require developers using third-party app stores to pay €0.50 for each annual app install exceeding a million downloads, while Apple maintains a 17% commission on in-app purchases even if alternative payment processors are used.
What Spotify, Epic Games have to say
“This is effectively a tax on innovation and competition,” said Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, who has been a vocal critic of Apple’s app store dominance. He previously labeled Apple’s DMA announcement “at best vague and misleading,” arguing it doesn’t address the core issues of app store gatekeeping and unfair pricing.
Epic Games, known for its ongoing legal battle with Apple over Fortnite’s removal from the App Store, also offered a scathing assessment. CEO Tim Sweeney called the new rules “hot garbage” and a “devious new instance of Malicious Compliance,” accusing Apple of attempting to undermine the spirit of the DMA.
The DMA aims to curb the power of Big Tech companies like Apple and Google, which control the dominant app stores for mobile devices. It prohibits gatekeeping practices that hinder competition and allows developers to use alternative payment methods within apps.
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