Apple in Trouble with the EU over New Regulations
TapTechNews reported on June 25 that the European Union released a preliminary ruling notice yesterday (June 24), finding that Apple's new regulations in Europe violate the Digital Markets Act, and a final ruling will be made in March 2025.
The European Union enacted the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in November 2023, and Apple implemented corresponding adjustment measures in the iOS 17.4 update released in March this year. However, after the annual installation of the app exceeds 1 million times, Apple needs to charge an additional core technology fee of 0.50 euros (about 4.70 US dollars at present) for each new download.
The European Commission said in the preliminary ruling notice that the adjusted rules and charging measures of Apple's App Store still restrict app developers from guiding consumers to use other purchase channels.
Before the European Commission makes a final ruling in March 2025, Apple can access the investigation file and raise objections to the accusations in writing.
If Apple cannot reverse the situation, then the European Union can fine according to 10% of the global annual turnover. Apple's revenue in 2023 was 383 billion US dollars. If calculated according to the 10% fine, it means that the company will receive a fine of 38 billion US dollars (TapTechNews note: about 290.618 billion yuan at present).
More seriously, the European Commission has launched a second investigation. If Apple is found to be in violation again in this investigation, it can be fined according to 20% of the global annual turnover, meaning that Apple may face a fine of 76 billion US dollars.
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