Decoder with Nilay Patel Why Spotify’s chief legal officer called Apple a “ruthless bully”
Jun 1, 2021
Horacio Gutierrez, Spotify’s head of global affairs and chief legal officer, is known for his outspoken criticism of Apple’s App Store policies. He discusses the frustrations developers face, particularly Apple's 30% fee and monopolistic practices, referencing his recent testimony before Congress. Horacio advocates for regulatory changes to foster innovation and competition. He also explores how these tensions mirror issues musicians face on streaming platforms, highlighting the need for industry transparency and better artist support.
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Apple Watch Anecdote
- Horacio Gutierrez, Spotify's Chief Legal Officer, wears an Apple Watch despite criticizing Apple.
- This illustrates his point that one can admire a company's products while still being critical of its business practices.
Apple's App Store Policies
- Apple's tying of its payment system to the App Store and the 30% tax were not initially required.
- This was implemented later, creating an uneven playing field for competing apps, according to Gutierrez.
App Store History
- Apple initially only allowed its own apps on the iPhone.
- Later, facing competition from Android, they opened the App Store, only to tighten rules and impose fees once they achieved market dominance.