EU Fines Apple €1.84 Billion Over Music Streaming Antitrust Violations

The fine targets Apple's App Store policies, with Spotify poised to benefit from new rules allowing direct communication with users.

• The European Commission fined Apple €1.84 billion for anti-competitive practices in the music streaming market, claiming Apple abused its dominant position.
• Spotify plans to take advantage of the ruling by providing iOS users in the EU with pricing information for its Premium subscriptions, pending Apple's approval.
• The ruling requires Apple to allow music streaming developers to communicate freely with their users, a move Spotify is eager to implement.
• Apple plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the ruling unfairly targets the company and benefits Spotify disproportionately.
• Critics argue the fine and subsequent actions threaten innovation and consumer choice, while supporters see it as a necessary step to ensure fair competition.

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