By Sam Schechner

The European Union charged Apple Inc. with antitrust violations that allege the company abused its control over the distribution of music-streaming apps, broadening the battle over its App Store practices ahead of a federal trial in the U.S. brought by "Fortnite" maker Epic Games.

The European Commission, the EU's top antitrust enforcer, on Friday issued a charge sheet against Apple that says the iPhone maker squeezed rival music-streaming apps by requiring them to use Apple's in-app payments system to sell digital content. The case stems from a complaint by Spotify Technology SA, which competes with Apple's music-streaming service.

In addition, EU regulators say Apple "distorted competition" by limiting how app developers can inform users about cheaper ways to subscribe. Apple's in-app payment system imposes a 30% commission on many of the most popular apps.

"By setting strict rules on the App Store that disadvantage competing music streaming services, Apple deprives users of cheaper music streaming choices and distorts competition," said Margrethe Vestager, who is in charge of competition enforcement at European Commission.

In the past, Apple has defended its practice of taking a cut of some sales through the App Store, and said it wants competing apps to thrive.

Apple will have a chance to argue its case before the European Commission renders a decision. If found guilty, Apple could face a fine of up to 10% of its annual revenue and be forced to adjust its business practices, though it can also appeal any decision in court.

App developers have become increasingly outspoken against Apple over its App Store fees at issue in the EU charges, arguing that the entire mobile-app ecosystem is at stake. Next week a federal court will hear a lawsuit from Epic Games, which alleged Apple abused its dominance by kicking "Fortnite" out of the app store for skirting Apple's payment system.

In February, Epic Games also lodged an antitrust complaint against Apple with the European Commission on similar grounds.

"We will not stand idly by and allow Apple to use its platform dominance to control what should be a level digital playing field," Epic founder and Chief Executive Tim Sweeney said at the time.

Write to Sam Schechner at sam.schechner@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

04-30-21 0628ET