Europe would already have a fine ready for Appleamounting to 539 million eurosfor alleged anti-competitive practices linked to the rules ofApp Store are iOS. It all started from a complaint from Spotify.
From Europe a fine of 539 million euros for Apple
The question revolves around the period in which Apple would have prevented application developers from iOS to inform users about alternative payment systems outside theApp Store. This policy would have favored Apple Musicaccording to complaints from competitors like Spotify, which in 2019 presented a complaint to the European Commission. Only in 2022, Apple changed this policy following regulatory pressure in Japan. Europe, according to what the Financial Times reports (via DDay), suggests that the official communication should arrive within the first few days of March.
Initially, the investigation of the European Commission also included the 30% commission retained by Apple on every purchase made on theApp Storea figure that could have resulted in a fine of up to 39 billion dollars. However, in February 2023, the Commission has updated its position, focusing exclusively on the communication of alternative payments.
For the European authority, the approach of Apple it was “neither necessary nor proportionate”, and it risked making customers pay more. The possible sanction of 539 million euros reflects the intent of the Commission to protect a fairer and more open applications market. Something that the EU also tries to pursue with the Digital Market Act (even if Apple’s alleged faults fall on the previous regulations).
The possible sanction would represent a confirmation that the European Commission would have adopted a hard line towards Apple and those who manage digital markets. However, for now the Financial Times rumor remains an indiscretion — we will keep you informed.
