# Musi’s App Store Removal Triggers Legal Conflict with Apple
In September 2024, Musi, a widely-used free music streaming application, was unexpectedly taken down from Apple’s App Store, shocking its dedicated users. Musi, which streams music sourced from YouTube, became embroiled in a copyright controversy that has evolved into a legal confrontation with Apple. As Musi enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the app’s comeback, the incident has prompted broader discussions about copyright enforcement, app store regulations, and the app’s future.
## The Removal: What Occurred?
Musi was taken off the App Store following multiple copyright grievances received by Apple, with YouTube as a key complainant. Musi’s business model—streaming music from YouTube without compensating for song licenses—was regarded as a potential violation of copyright laws. Unsurprisingly, YouTube, which operates its own music streaming platform, was prominently vocal in pressuring Apple to act.
After Musi’s removal by Apple, users who had previously downloaded the app could still use it without any problems. However, those who uninstalled the app during a phone update or acquired new devices found themselves unable to re-download it. This predicament left numerous Musi fans searching for explanations and some turned to Reddit to air their grievances and look for answers.
## Musi’s Legal Action
Reacting to its removal, Musi initiated a lawsuit against Apple in October 2024, alleging that the tech giant violated its contractual agreement by removing the app without adequately examining YouTube’s copyright allegations. Musi seeks a court order to compel Apple to restore the app to the App Store while the copyright matter is pending. Nonetheless, a hearing regarding the injunction is not scheduled until January 2025, placing Musi users in a precarious position.
Musi maintains that the longer the app stays inaccessible, the greater the likelihood of losing its user base, which could culminate in what the company refers to as “extinction.” The legal team for Musi argues that the potential user and revenue loss could be catastrophic, especially since the app heavily depends on advertising for income.
## Apple’s Counterargument
Conversely, Apple has countered Musi’s assertions. In its rebuttal to the injunction, Apple claimed that Musi is not at risk of extinction since users who already have the app can still stream music. Apple also noted that Musi continues to earn revenue through advertisements directed at its current users.
Apple further contended that Musi has not submitted adequate proof showing it faces financial difficulties. As per public records, Musi generated over $100 million in advertising revenue from January 2023 to spring 2024, and the company operates with fewer than 10 employees. Apple argues that Musi possesses sufficient financial standing to sustain itself until a court ruling is made regarding the merits of the case.
Moreover, Apple pointed out that its App Store guidelines permit the removal of any app “at any time, with or without cause.” The company asserted that it cannot be expected to examine every copyright notification it receives, as it handles thousands of these notifications each year. Apple also mentioned that Musi has not adequately addressed YouTube’s copyright issues, further justifying the app’s removal.
## The Public Interest and Intellectual Property
Apple’s legal representatives have also articulated concerns about the wider ramifications of reinstating Musi in the App Store. They asserted that granting Musi’s injunction could expose Apple to the distribution of an app that purportedly infringes upon intellectual property rights. Apple emphasized that the public interest in safeguarding intellectual property takes precedence over Musi’s wish to remain on the App Store during the ongoing legal proceedings.
“The public interest in safeguarding intellectual property rights significantly outweighs the injunction sought here,” Apple declared in its opposition filing. The company contended that it should not be obligated to distribute an app that has faced repeated copyright complaints from external entities like YouTube.
## Musi’s Committed User Community
Regardless of the legal disputes, Musi’s user community remains deeply devoted. On Reddit, Musi enthusiasts have voiced their frustration and dismay regarding the app’s removal, with many deeming it irreplaceable. Unlike other free music streaming services that often break up playback with advertisements, Musi only displays ads when the app is first launched, allowing for seamless listening afterward. Furthermore, Musi permits users to curate playlists with an unlimited number of videos, while YouTube restricts playlists to a maximum of 5,000 videos.
“Musi is the only player I have to access all 9k of my videos/songs in one library,” remarked one Reddit user. “I genuinely don’t just use Musi because it’s free. It has unique features that no other app offers, especially for those who enjoy watching music videos paired with music.”
Other users have voiced dissatisfaction with other streaming platforms like Spotify, with some even opting not to update their devices for fear of losing access.
