- Apple set to face its first fine under the EU's Digital Markets Act for limiting competition.
- Recent €1.84 billion penalty and possible new fines up to 10% of global revenue.
- DMA mandates Apple allow alternative app stores, browser choices, and third-party accessory access.
Apple is set to face its first fine under the European Union’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA), marking a significant move in the EU's efforts to limit Big Tech’s power. Sources report that the European Commission charged Apple in June, accusing the tech giant of violating the DMA by restricting competition and consumer choice.
Expected to be announced this month, the fine follows another recent penalty: a €1.84 billion fine in March for blocking competition in the music streaming space through App Store restrictions. Apple is also under investigation for fees it charges app developers, which could lead to a fine up to 10% of its global revenue.
The DMA, which came into effect this year, mandates that Apple allow alternative app stores on its devices and give users the freedom to choose default browsers and enable third-party accessories. Apple and the European Commission have declined to comment, but sources confirm regulators are preparing the penalty due to Apple’s failure to let developers guide users to deals outside the App Store.
Apple also recently lost a separate legal battle with the EU, resulting in a €13 billion back-tax payment to Ireland.
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