Apple Tyranny Reaches New Lows, Blocks ‘Spotify’s’ Latest Version

Apple’s tendency to monopolize the iOS market as much as possible is a well-known fact, and it even drew the wrath of Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren when she described the tech giant’s methods as bully tactics. As such, it isn’t too surprising that Apple would block the latest version of the popular media player app “Spotify” in order to boost the sales of its own music app, Apple Music. “Spotify” has had enough of the iPhone maker throwing its weight around, however, and is being really loud in its protest.

In response to Apple’s refusal to allow “Spotify’s” newest version to be used, the music app company’s general counsel, Horacio Gutierrez sent a letter to the tech giant’s lawyer, Bruce Sewell, according to Recode. The letter details Apple’s reasons for blocking the update, citing things like the version not fitting Apple’s “business model rules” as well as practically coercing the music app makers to use Apple’s billing system if “Spotify” wants to continue selling their app.

“This latest episode raises serious concerns under both U.S. and EU competition law,” Gutierrez wrote in the letter. “It continues a troubling pattern of behavior by Apple to exclude and diminish the competitiveness of Spotify on iOS and as a rival to Apple Music, particularly when seen against the backdrop of Apple’s previous anticompetitive conduct aimed at Spotify.”

The letter also indicates that “Spotify” is going to use Apple’s tactics to force the tech giant to change its ways and stop its anti-competition measures. Versions of the letter have also been sent to people in Congress, which shows just how serious “Spotify” is in its campaign against Apple.

As Fortune reports, this is not the first time that “Spotify” has had beef with Apple, particularly because of the significant subscription fees that the tech giant imposed on the music app maker.