Apple May Have to Refund Money to Spotify and YouTube Users

Euroconsumers, a European consumer protection association of which DECO PROteste is a member, has decided to launch a class action lawsuit against Apple in Belgium, Italy, Spain and also in Portugal.

As DECO states in a statement, the lawsuit alleges that Apple abuses its dominant position in the streaming services market and imposes “unfair fees” on competitors present in the App Store - such as Spotify, Deezer, YouTube Music, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, Tidal, Qobuz, among others.

“Apple has further restricted competition by preventing music streaming services from informing users about less expensive subscription options outside the Apple Store, such as direct subscriptions through its platforms,” the statement reads.

Euroconsumers also notes that iPhone and iPad users pay up to 30% more for subscriptions to the aforementioned streaming services.

The association is seeking compensation from Apple for affected consumers and to recover €62 for more than 500,000 people in these four countries alone since 2013. Furthermore, users who have used Apple’s payment system may be eligible to receive €2.60 for each month they paid these inflated amounts.

“Euroconsumers’ class action sends a strong message to Apple and other market players: with power comes responsibility, not abuse. This lawsuit aims not only to secure compensation for affected consumers, but also to promote lasting changes that ensure fair and competitive App Store policies,” the association notes.