- The European Commission has fined Apple over €1.8 billion (~$1.95 billion) for the App Store’s ‘anti-steering’ provisions.
- Apple had restricted app developers like Spotify from informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services available outside of the app.
- Apple has said that it will appeal the decision.
The upcoming Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union is all set to shake up the world of big tech, especially for companies like Apple that pride in their walled ecosystems. Companies must comply with the DMA by March 6, 2024, and preparations are already underway. However, merely days before DMA-related changes come into play, the European Commission fined Apple over €1.8 billion (~$1.95 billion) for not letting apps like Spotify inform users about cheaper subscription services available outside of iOS apps.
The European Commission announced that it has fined Apple over €1.8 billion (~$1.95 billion) for abusing its dominant position in the market. More specifically, Apple applied restrictions on app developers that prevented them from informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services available outside of the app. These are known as “anti-steering provisions,” and they are illegal under EU antitrust rules, even before the Digital Markets Act comes into the picture.