Apple EU fine is again under the European Union’s antitrust spotlight as regulators prepare a fresh charge sheet tied to the company’s alleged non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). If Apple fails to address the EU’s concerns by June 26, it could face even more substantial financial penalties, potentially escalating its ongoing battle with European regulators.

EU Threatens Apple with Hefty New Fines Over DMA Violations

The European Commission has already fined Apple €500 million ($579 million) earlier this year for limiting how developers communicate cheaper alternatives outside the App Store. Regulators now warn that further non-compliance may result in daily fines amounting to 5% of Apple’s average daily worldwide revenue for every day the violation continues.

According to Bloomberg, unless Apple submits a satisfactory compliance proposal, the Commission is prepared to escalate enforcement efforts, signaling the EU’s growing assertiveness under the DMA framework.

What Is the Digital Markets Act?

The Digital Markets Act — a landmark EU regulation enforced in 2024 — imposes strict rules on major tech “gatekeepers” like Apple, Google, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft. The DMA mandates these companies allow developers greater freedom, prevent anti-competitive behavior, and open up key platform functionalities to rivals.

For Apple, this includes obligations to:

• Allow app developers to inform users about external purchasing options.
• Permit third-party app stores and sideloading on iOS devices.
• Ensure fair access to core features like payment systems and NFC tap-and-go chips.

While Apple has started implementing certain DMA requirements, regulators argue its current policies still create unfair barriers for developers seeking to compete outside its tightly controlled App Store ecosystem.

Apple Responds: “Changing Goalposts”

An Apple spokesperson criticized the EU’s stance, stating that regulators are constantly “moving the goalposts” on what constitutes DMA compliance. Apple claims it has spent hundreds of thousands of hours attempting to meet the evolving regulatory demands but accuses the Commission of discrimination and unfair treatment.

Just last year, Apple was fined €1.8 billion for restricting competition in the music streaming sector, with Spotify among the complainants. This follows a broader EU crackdown that has already resulted in over $8 billion in penalties against tech giants like Google, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft.

Will Apple Avoid Escalation?

While the Commission stresses that Apple still has time to address the outstanding issues, failure to submit a satisfactory proposal by June 26 could lead to another formal charge sheet. Such charges would trigger new legal proceedings and potentially massive daily fines that could significantly impact Apple’s global revenue stream.

A spokesperson for the European Commission noted that they will not speculate on next steps while negotiations continue, but emphasized that the DMA grants them “ample regulatory powers” to enforce compliance.

Other Big Tech Companies Under EU Scrutiny

Apple isn’t alone in facing EU antitrust scrutiny. Recent regulatory actions under the DMA and other antitrust frameworks have targeted:

• Meta Platforms: Fined €200 million for “pay or consent” ad practices.
• Alphabet’s Google: Over $8 billion in cumulative fines for abuse of dominance.
• Amazon: Forced to modify marketplace rules.
• Microsoft: Facing investigations into bundling Teams with Office.

These moves underscore the EU’s growing role as a global leader in regulating Big Tech’s dominance, setting a potential model for regulators worldwide.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Apple’s Future in Europe

As the June 26 deadline approaches, Apple’s legal team faces mounting pressure to reach a compromise with EU regulators. The outcome of these negotiations will not only shape the future of Apple’s App Store model but could set powerful precedents for global digital market regulation in years to come.

For more on Apple’s ongoing legal battles with the EU, visit our comprehensive coverage: Apple EU Fines: A Timeline of Regulatory Battles.

Sources

• Bloomberg – Apple Risks Fresh EU Charges Over App Store Curbs
• Gadgets360 – Apple DMA App Store EU News