This is part of a bigger war to maximise the duopoly of music and video streaming, perhaps analogous to the triple/quad play in telecoms.
It seems that Spotify's latest salvo is timed to capitalise on the rumoured event[1] and maybe even influenced by previous decision by Netflix to breakaway[2] from the two main revenue generating platforms (Android & iOS). Whether or not it will be beneficial to their business model(s) long term - only time will tell.
Apple needs a new goose and a contender in the ring to keep institutional investors happy, at least until a new market strategy[3] is cemented and next round of R&D, technological advancements, tooling etc. take effect and come to fruition; especially considering the recent battery recalls[4] and lower than expected demand for flagship products, So, I would assume they have carried out some due diligence to avoid any punitive measures by the EU or invite excessive regulation.
Nonetheless, it might turn out to be a pyrrhic victory for Spotify, despite a ruling in favour of an app with some clout in a dominant ecosystem. For example, Amazon has decided to fight[5] Google/Apple on many occasions, with no obvious benefits. Microsoft has largely capitulated to Amazon & Google on some of their efforts e.g. Cortana v Alexa, Edge v Chrome..
It seems that Spotify's latest salvo is timed to capitalise on the rumoured event[1] and maybe even influenced by previous decision by Netflix to breakaway[2] from the two main revenue generating platforms (Android & iOS). Whether or not it will be beneficial to their business model(s) long term - only time will tell.
Apple needs a new goose and a contender in the ring to keep institutional investors happy, at least until a new market strategy[3] is cemented and next round of R&D, technological advancements, tooling etc. take effect and come to fruition; especially considering the recent battery recalls[4] and lower than expected demand for flagship products, So, I would assume they have carried out some due diligence to avoid any punitive measures by the EU or invite excessive regulation.
Nonetheless, it might turn out to be a pyrrhic victory for Spotify, despite a ruling in favour of an app with some clout in a dominant ecosystem. For example, Amazon has decided to fight[5] Google/Apple on many occasions, with no obvious benefits. Microsoft has largely capitulated to Amazon & Google on some of their efforts e.g. Cortana v Alexa, Edge v Chrome..
[1]https://www.macworld.co.uk/news/apple/apple-streaming-servic...
[2]https://bgr.com/2018/08/23/netflix-subscription-payment-chan...
[3]https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-must-reverse-angela-ah...
[4]https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/2/18165866/apple-iphone-sale...
[5]https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/26/16371292/google-youtube-a...