Spotify has launched a UK ad campaign calling out Apple over its alleged anti-competitive practices. The ‘Censored’ campaign, launched to align with Apple’s latest earnings report, highlights the restrictions that Apple places on developers, accusing the tech giant of preventing users from being able to easily learn about new deals and promotions.
The out-of-home campaign creative features promotes Spotify’s three months free Premium offer, but the offer has been crossed out to reflect how Spotify is unable to share details about its promotions or alternative payment links with customers on iOS.
“For far too long, Apple’s anti-competitive practices have kept UK consumers in the dark about ways to save money,” said April Boyd, Head of Global Government Affairs and Public Policy at Spotify. “We want to show consumers what a fairer digital market should look like, with greater transparency, increased convenience, and new promotions. This is why Spotify supports a strong DMCC Bill that creates a level playing field, ensuring the UK remains a leading market for digital innovation.”
The ads – which have popped in high-profile locations in London, as well as in emails to eligible iOS users – are an extension of Spotify’s ‘Time to Play Fair’ campaign, which calls out Apple and advocates for a fairer digital marketplace.
In the European Union, Spotify has changed its iPhone app to include previously banned in-app sales and promotions, acting on Europe’s Digital Markets Act.
Meanwhile, in the UK, Spotify has been urging the government to pass a strong Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill to prevent Apple from blocking developers.
