Apple has appealed a €500 million fine for violating the EU's Digital Markets Act, calling the fine "unprecedented" and asking for the decision to be overturned.
Apple updated its App Store policy in Europe to comply with the DMA and avoid further fines, arguing that the EU interferes too deeply in how it operates its platform, making it difficult for developers and users.
MAIN CONTENT
Apple appeals €500 million fine for violating EU Digital Markets Act.
The European Commission accused Apple of restricting alternative distribution channels, causing disadvantages for developers and users.
Several major tech companies, including Google and Meta, are also facing or being investigated for violating the DMA.
How does Apple appeal the 500 million euro fine?
Apple's CEO said the fine was unprecedented and the company is fighting to overturn the decision, arguing that the European Commission's control of the way Apple operates the App Store is harming developers and users. Apple stressed that it is implementing the new policy to avoid further fines and ensure compliance with the DMA.
According to a CNBC report on July 7, 2025, Apple objected to the EC's requests because they did not respect business freedom and complicated the user and developer experience. Apple pledged to present full evidence to the court.
“Apple imposes numerous restrictions that prevent developers from taking advantage of alternative distribution channels and prevent users from accessing offers outside the App Store,” the European Commission said.
EC official statement, April 2025
What does the European Commission accuse Apple of violating in the DMA?
The European Commission has fined Apple for violating anti-steering obligations, prohibiting developers from announcing payment options outside the App Store and limiting user access.
The DMA requires “gatekeepers” like Apple to allow developers to freely announce potentially cheaper offers or payment terms outside their platform.
Spotify and Epic Games, for example, argue that App Store policies prevent them from introducing alternative payment methods to iOS users, while Apple charges a commission of 15% to 30% on in-app transactions.
How are other major tech companies coping with pressure from the DMA?
Google has previously opposed the DMA at a European Commission conference, warning that the law could stifle innovation and lead to fines of up to 10% of global revenue. The company is continuing to negotiate on tweaking search results to favor rival products and services.
Meta was fined €200 million for its “pay or opt-in” model that violated rules on in-app referrals and payments. Brussels also opened an investigation into Alphabet (Google’s parent company) over suspected search bias and restrictions on Google Play, according to a March 19, 2025 report.
The Digital Markets Act is an important step forward to ensure fair competition in the digital environment, helping to protect consumers and independent developers.
Margrethe Vestager, Commissioner for Competition, European Commission, 2025
An example illustrating the impact of DMA on technology platforms
Company Fine (million euros) Violation Status Apple 500 Restricted navigation, DMA violation Appeal Meta 200 Violation of in-app payment rules Fined Alphabet (Google) Not announced Investigation into self-prioritization and restricted navigation Under investigation
What is noteworthy about Apple's new policies after the fine?
To comply with the DMA and avoid further fines, Apple has updated its App Store policy in Europe to allow developers to reach users by announcing external offers, a move that aligns with the EU’s strict rules on competition and transparency on digital platforms.
This represents a significant change from the past, when Apple tightly controlled all payment channels and information within the iOS ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DMA and why is it important? The DMA is the EU Digital Markets Act, which levels the playing field for large digital platforms, protecting users and developers from arbitrary control. Why was Apple fined for violating the DMA? Apple was fined for restricting developers from notifying payment options outside the App Store, reducing benefits for users and creating an unfair advantage. Could other companies face similar fines? Yes, Google and Meta are also under investigation or have been fined for violating similar provisions of the DMA. What policy changes has Apple made to comply with the DMA? Apple has expanded the right for developers to be notified of prices and offers outside the App Store in Europe. How does the DMA affect users? Users have access to a wider range of payment options and offers outside of controlled platforms, which can result in better services at a reasonable cost.
Source: https://tintucbitcoin.com/apple-bi-phat-500-trieu-euro-eu/
Thank you for reading this article!
Please Like, Comment and Follow TinTucBitcoin to stay updated with the latest news about the cryptocurrency market and not miss any important information!
