Spotify has been a vocal opponent to Apple’s App Store rules for years now. As such, some of the company’s executives are more than happy to voice their concerns or praises as needed after major revelations are revealed. Today, for instance, a judge ruled partially against Apple, and Spotify is very happy with those specific results.
Now, it’s worth noting right out of the gate that Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled mostly in favor of Apple as far as the overall judgement between Epic Games vs. Apple. For instance, Fortnite won’t be automatically reinstated into the App Store. And Epic Games owes Apple money for damages while the popular battle royale game was available in the App Store with an alternative payment option. App Store fees will remain in place, too.
However, when it comes to allowing third-party payment options, this is the “big loss” for Apple. And why Spotify’s Horacio Gutierrez, the company’s Head of Global Affairs and Chief Legal Officer, is more than happy to come forward and praise the judge’s decision.
Per a report today from 9to5Mac, Gutierrez says Spotify is “pleased” with the result:
We are pleased with Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers’ finding that Apple engaged in anti-competitive conduct and has permanently prohibited their anti-steering provisions. This and other developments around the world show that there is strong need and momentum for legislation to address these and many other unfair practices, which are designed to hurt competition and consumers. This task has never been more urgent.
All told, Apple won 9 out of the 10 rulings, which is good for the company as a whole. Apple said as much, saying it’s a big win in general. Still, App Store changes are coming (probably), and not just in South Korea or Japan, but in the United States, too.