Officials Investigate Apple Music for Antitrust Violations, Universal Music Denies Wrongdoing

New York and Connecticut attorney generals are continuing an 'industry-wide' investigation over Apple's possible violation of antitrust laws while negotiating Apple Music. This isn't the first time we've heard reports that Apple was being investigated for anticompetitive business practices. Last month, the Department of Justice was looking into Apple for reportedly working to end free, ad-sponsred music streaming tiers.

The attorneys general wanted to know whether Apple pressured the music labels — or whether the labels conspired with Apple and one another — to withdraw support for popular “freemium” services offered by companies like Spotify in favor of Apple’s paid music subscriptions.

Universal Music Group today responded to the attorneys initial inquiry stating that they have no agreements with Apple or other labels that would hurt the availability of free or ad-supported music streaming services. UMG added that it “shares the attorneys general’s commitment to a robust and competitive market for music streaming services in the mutual best interest of consumers, artists, services and content companies alike — and we have a long track record to that effect.”


Both these attorney generals were involved in the E-Books price-fixing investigation -- where Apple was found guilty of conspiring to fix e-book prices.

Apple Music, which features unlimited streaming, connect, and more, is set to launch on June 30 with iOS 8.4. Subscriptions start at $10/month, or $15 for the entire family (up to 6).

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