Apple has appealed a €500 million fine for violating the EU's Digital Markets Act, calling the penalty "unprecedented".
Apple said the changes to its App Store policies are intended to comply with the DMA, but it asserted that the EU regulations are imposing store operations and business terms that are difficult for developers and users.
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Apple objected to the €500 million fine and has appealed the EU decision.
The EU accuses Apple of restricting developers' ability to include information about alternative payment methods.
Google, Meta are also under EU scrutiny and fined for similar violations under the Digital Markets Act.
How much was Apple fined and what was the reason for the violation?
Apple has been fined €500 million by the European Commission (EC) for violating the anti-steering provisions of the Digital Markets Act, which prevents software developers from disclosing payment methods outside the App Store. This is an important step towards protecting users' rights and increasing competition.
The Commission said Apple imposed numerous restrictions that prevented developers from benefiting from alternative distribution channels, while also limiting consumers' access to cheaper payment options.
“The EU Commission dictates how we operate our store and imposes confusing business terms on developers and users,” Apple said.
Greg Joswiak, Apple Senior Vice President, July 2025, CNBC
How is Apple responding to EU fines and regulations?
Apple has updated its European App Store policies to comply with the DMA's request and avoid further fines. However, Apple maintains that the measures are the result of legal pressure and is appealing.
This is seen as a move to reduce risks for business operations in the competitive EU market, which is strictly monitored for transparency.
How are other big tech companies affected by the Digital Markets Act?
Alongside Apple, Google is also facing scrutiny from the EU as it adjusts the way it displays search results to make it fairer for competitors. Google warns that the DMA could stifle innovation and faces fines of up to 10% of global revenue.
Meta has been fined €200 million for violating the “pay or give” model for payments and app content, while the EU is also investigating Alphabet, Google’s parent company, for search prioritization and navigation restrictions in Google Play.
“The Digital Markets Act is a decisive step towards promoting a more competitive and transparent digital market in the EU.”
Thierry Breton, EU Commissioner for Internal Markets, April 2025
What does the Digital Markets Act say about developer and user rights?
Under the DMA, large platform companies like Apple and Google must allow developers to inform users about payment options or offers outside their platforms. This helps users access cheaper options and supports fair competition between channels.
Spotify and Epic Games are specific examples, claiming that Apple has prevented iOS users from being informed about payment options outside the App Store, where Apple takes a 15% to 30% cut of every in-app transaction.
Real-life examples of the Digital Markets Act's impact on tech businesses
Company Fine Cause Countermeasures Apple €500 million Counteracting customer direction, limiting payment information outside the App Store Policy update, appeal Meta €200 million Violating payment and app navigation regulations Complying with fine, changing business model Google (Alphabet) Under investigation Prioritizing search results, limiting Google Play navigation Proposed adjustments, attending EU workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Digital Markets Act affect users? The DMA helps users access a variety of services and payment methods, increasing transparency and fair competition in the digital market. Why was Apple fined under the DMA? Apple was fined for restricting developers from introducing payment methods outside the App Store, violating the anti-customer steering regulation. What legal risks is Google facing from the EU? Google is being investigated for prioritizing search results and restricting developers on Google Play, which could result in a fine of up to 10% of global revenue. Will Apple comply with the DMA after the fine? Apple has updated its policy to comply with the DMA but is still appealing the fine, arguing that the current regulations are difficult for businesses and users. How does the DMA protect competition in the technology sector? The DMA prohibits large platforms from imposing unfavorable terms, facilitating developer diversity, thereby promoting innovation and benefiting consumers.
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