This week Apple made the long-awaited landmark move to allow other companies to launch app stores on iPhones.
The tech giant was forced to act by EU politicians concerned about it having a market monopoly.
The decision is being watched closely around the world and was initially celebrated as an industry victory for businesses and consumers in the EU.
But Apple’s strict new rules and fees are being heavily criticized, with Spotify calling them “extortion”.
It is one of many companies, including Fortnite maker Epic Games, that has been pushing Apple to allow alternative app stores on iPhones.
Apple hit with first-ever EU fine following Spotify complaint
The EU lawmakers hoped their rule change would encourage smaller challengers to enter the lucrative iPhone market.
“Apple says it’s opening up, but it still has a tight fist around iPhones”, says Colton Adamski, a former hacker and businessman who lives near Chicago and is trying to launch one of the first alternative app shops in the EU.
