Brussels has narrowed its long-running antitrust probe against Apple, focusing on the way the tech giant restricts apps such as Spotify from telling users about alternative subscription options, according to three people with knowledge of the situation.
Spotify has taken issue with Apple’s rule that the music streaming service cannot include a link in its app that takes users to the Spotify subscription page, these people said.
The move signals that the European Commission is willing to go ahead with antitrust probes even though it has pushed through the Digital Services Act, which is aimed at curbing the power of big tech. The Act will come into force next year.
Apple and the commission did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Brussels is expected to announce the charges on Tuesday morning.
