Apple has responded strongly against Musi's lawsuit seeking reinstatement to the App Store, calling the music streaming app "parasitic" and opposing its request for a preliminary injunction.

The key points of Apple's legal response include:

• Apple can remove apps "at any time, with or without cause" per developer program terms
• Musi allegedly uses YouTube API tokens improperly to avoid paying licensing fees
• The app reportedly serves its own ads while removing YouTube's ads, violating YouTube's terms of service
• IFPI and NMPA support YouTube's position against Musi

Technical violations cited by NMPA include:

• Using multiple API tokens to exceed YouTube rate limits
• Avoiding commercial API account fees
• Masking requests as "iPhone 12" regardless of device
• Overlaying their own ads using Applovin

Apple argues Musi isn't facing financial hardship:

• The app remains functional for existing users
• Generated over $100M in ad revenue from January 2023 to Spring 2024
• Employs only about 10 people
• No evidence provided of financial distress

Current Musi users are reportedly seeking alternatives, with many looking to migrate their playlists to Apple Music or YouTube Music. The company has not yet responded to Apple's latest filing.

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