EU antitrust regulators are set to step up an investigation into Apple, triggered by Spotify, with new evidence but no new charges, in hopes of speeding up the case, people familiar with the matter have said. .
Last year, the European Commission told the iPhone maker that its App Store rules, which require developers to use their own in-app payment system and also prevent them from informing users of other payment options. purchase, distort competition in the music streaming market.
Apple has found itself in the crosshairs of the European Commission after Spotify complained that the US tech company was unfairly limiting rivals to its own music streaming service Apple Music on iPhone.
The EU competition authority set out its charges in a so-called statement of objections or charge sheet.
The watchdog then considered sending an additional statement of objections, a person familiar with the matter said. Reuters earlier this year.
These documents usually set out new fees or changes to the original fees.
The Commission should now send a letter of facts to Apple instead, other people familiar with the matter said, adding that there was no final decision yet.
A factual letter usually contains new evidence reinforcing the initial accusations against the companies which can then be countered with a written submission.
The Commission declined to comment.
Apple, which faces a fine of up to 10% of its global turnover if found guilty of breaching EU antitrust rules, did not respond to email requests for comment and calls. telephone.
The company was hit with another EU antitrust charge in May related to its Apple Pay mobile payment system.
The alleged practices in both cases will be illegal under new EU tech rules known as the Digital Markets Act which come into force next year with penalties of up to 10% of global turnover. from a company.
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