EU Charges Apple Over App Store Rules: First Under Digital Markets Act

European Union regulators have charged Apple with anti-competitive practices for preventing app developers from offering cheaper options outside its App Store. This is the first case under the Digital Markets Act. The commission said Apple's policies breach the Act's regulations designed to curb tech monopolies. Apple now faces potential fines.

In a landmark move, European Union regulators have levied their first accusations under the bloc's new digital competition rulebook, targeting Apple Inc. for allegedly obstructing app developers from directing users to cheaper options outside its App Store.

According to preliminary findings from an investigation by the European Commission, Apple's restrictions on developers using its mobile App Store breached the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This sweeping set of regulations aims to prevent tech "gatekeepers" from monopolizing digital markets under threat of substantial financial penalties.

Apple is under increasing pressure both in Europe and the United States. The US Justice Department has also filed an extensive antitrust lawsuit accusing Apple of monopolizing the smartphone market and blocking competition. The European Commission will make a final decision by March 2025, with potential fines up to 10% of Apple's global revenue.

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