The European Union has fined Apple $570 million for breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA), citing anti-competitive practices in its App Store policies. The DMA mandates that developers should be free to inform customers about alternative offers and direct them outside Apple’s ecosystem for purchases a rule the EU claims Apple violated.
Interestingly, the relatively modest fine appears to be a strategic move. While denying delays tied to negotiations with Trump over “reciprocal” tariffs, the EU seemingly softened the penalty to avoid escalating trade tensions. Meta was also fined $227 million for its controversial “consent or pay” ad model on Facebook in the EU.
Apple intends to appeal the decision, alleging EU discrimination and unfair demands to share proprietary technology. Meanwhile, the EU has acknowledged Apple’s early cooperation on other policy adjustments. With past fines reaching $2 billion, this reduced amount hints at delicate diplomacy amid international economic pressures.
