Apple vs. Brussels. The tycoon refers to a fine of EUR 500 million

ewp.pl 1 month ago

App store dispute and fine EUR 500 million

The European Commission announced in March 2025 the decision to fine Apple with a fine of EUR 500 million. The reason was to recognise that the US company had violated the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA), limiting the anticipation for developers to inform users of alternate payment methods outside the App Store.

According to the Commission, specified measures restrict competition and hinder the improvement of independent payment systems. In the opinion of Apple regulators, for years it maintained besides close control over transactions carried out within its store, which could lead to an over-cost on the part of app makers and consumers.

According to Apple, changes are illegible and forced

Apple disagrees with the Commission’s assessment and has notified the appeal in its authoritative communication. The company claims that the imposed punishment is disproportionate and is based on incorrect explanation of the rules. The company considers that its changes to the App store in Europe, including the fresh charging structure, have been imposed by regulators and consequently introduce unnecessary complications.

The fresh rules include a multi-level commission strategy (5 or 13 percent depending on the degree of promotion of the application) and an additional 2 percent charge for acquiring the user. Apple notes that specified a model does not apply in any another app store in the world. It stresses that its implementation is not due to the initiative of the company.

In Apple's assessment, the European Commission has unduly expanded the definition of "user guidance" so that the company had to let the developers of the application to inform about alternate ways of purchasing outside the Apple ecosystem.

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Regulatory force is rising. Google, too.

The Commission's decision is part of a broader strategy of the European Union, which has intensified its efforts towards the largest technology companies for respective years. In addition to the punishment for Apple, the KE besides conducts proceedings against Google and Meta. For Google, the amount of fines imposed has already exceeded EUR 6.5 billion. Apple is besides constantly struggling with a decision ordering the reimbursement of EUR 13 billion of outstanding taxes in Ireland.

Apple's situation in Europe is not isolated. Earlier, a California court ordered the company to let American developers of the application to redirect users to external payment sites. Analysts estimation that fresh regulations could cost Apple billions of dollars a year.

What's next for Digital Markets Act?

Apple's dispute with the European Commission is 1 of the first major proceedings based on the Digital Markets Act. This act aims to reduce the dominance of major digital platforms and to guarantee greater marketplace competitiveness.

The resolution of this case may affect the way application ecosystems operate throughout the European Union. For Apple, it's not just a one-time thing. It is besides essential to adapt to fresh realities that undermine the foundations of the business model based on commissions from the App Store.

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