Apple Rejects Spotify’s EU Update, Continuing App Store Dispute
- Written by Deep Shikha Content Writer
Spotify’s latest iOS app update, which includes in-app pricing details for subscriptions made outside of Apple’s payment system, was rejected by Apple.
According to The Verge , Spotify’s update was rejected because it did not comply with Apple’s requirement to use the Music Streaming Services Entitlement and pay Apple a commission for purchases made through external links. Despite an EU ruling earlier this year requiring Apple to allow music streaming apps to include external purchase links, Apple’s updated rules still involve taking a commission from these purchases.
Apple’s rejection message to Spotify stated, “This entitlement is required even if your app does not include an external link (nor does it require that you offer an external link). We will, however, approve version 8.9.33 after you accept the terms of the Music Streaming Services Entitlement (EEA) and resubmit it for review.”
TechCrunch reported that the latest version of Spotify’s app does not contain a direct link to subscription plans on Spotify’s website, as the company hoped to avoid the 30 percent cut Apple takes on subscriptions made via the App Store. Instead, EU users will be directed to manually visit Spotify’s website via a web browser to purchase cheaper subscription plans.
Spotify had previously submitted a version of the app with website links, but Apple didn’t approve the update; it didn’t even respond to the submission. The latest version Spotify submitted for approval featured the minimum pricing and website information required under the European Commission ruling that fined Apple €1.84 billion .
Spotify’s spokesperson, Jeanne Moran, told The Verge that Apple’s rejection represents a defiance of the European Commission’s decision. Moran highlighted that Apple declined Spotify’s update because it sought to inform customers about pricing without paying Apple a commission, which she likened to a “new tax.”
Spotify’s chief public affairs officer, Dustee Jenkins, emphasized the importance of the EU’s ruling, stating, “From now on, Apple will have to allow music streaming developers to communicate freely with their users, be it within the app, or by email, or any other way of communicating.”
The rejection of Spotify’s update comes amid ongoing tensions between Apple and third-party app providers regarding App Store rules and fees in the EU. Apple’s compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has been described as “malicious,” with Spotify refusing to adopt Apple’s optional DMA changes.
Google Maps Introduces AI Tech to Improve EV Charging Location Searches
- Written by Deep Shikha Content Writer
- Fact-Checked by
Google Maps will now leverage AI to enhance the search for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. In a blog post on April 17, Google announced that Google Maps will use AI to summarize reviews of EV chargers, providing precise directions to hidden stations, even in parking garages or other inconspicuous locations.
Google stated that the information about charging stations is made possible by the millions of reviews posted daily on Google Maps. Once an EV station is used as a result of the Maps AI location tech, new prompts will ask for additional details about the charging experience, such as the type of plug used and the waiting time, to further improve the capability.
According to Google, in the coming months, users will be able to find nearby chargers on the in-car map, including details like real-time port availability and charging speed. This update will be available globally, starting with vehicles equipped with Google built-in.
Google says that the upcoming update will also simplify complex trips by suggesting the best charging locations for vehicles with Google built-in. This capability, initially announced last year for single-stop trips, is now expanding to multi-stop journeys.
The Verge reports that Google has previously emphasized its use of AI to enhance the experience for electric vehicle (EV) owners. In 2021, the company deployed AI tools for route planning and locating EV plugs .
EV owners will now be able to see quick and helpful information about charging when their vehicle’s battery starts to get low. Real-time plug availability and charging speeds will be viewable on native versions of Google Maps in cars with the company’s built-in software, like some existing Volvo and Polestar models. These cars are also getting native versions of Google Maps that suggest charging breaks on multi-stop journeys.
In addition, Google’s Travel Services now includes a filter to find hotels that offer onsite EV charging to help eliminate unnecessary charging stops on road trips.
