Apple is at the conclusion of settlement talks with the European Commission to end ongoing antitrust proceedings under the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA). As reported Financial Times, the aim is to avoid expanding regular penalties that could scope up to 5% of the average global revenues of the company.
Not only Apple, but Meta are negotiating with EU regulators. Both companies were in April 2025 fined EUR 700 million in total For breaking DMA regulations. Apple then paid EUR 500 million to limit developers' ability to direct users to offers outside the App Store, which was considered to be a violation of the alleged anti-steering ban.
In June, the company announced changes in the operation of the App store in the EU. These include enabling developers for the first time in past to advance alternate payment methods and distribution of iOS applications through external stores.
However, the European Commission is inactive examining fresh terms of contract with developers to guarantee that they effectively remove barriers to fair competition. Officials want to make certain that app developers can communicate freely with users about prices or promotion outside Apple without any additional fees or restrictions.
DMA imposes on alleged "access guards" – specified as Apple – an work to guarantee a level playing field, prohibiting the favouring of its own services and requiring the beginning of platforms for competitors. Infringements can consequence in immense penalties in billions of euros in the case of recidivism.
Apple maintains that it is already complying with EU rules, and appealed against the Commission's decision, accusing it of besides broad an explanation of DMA. At the same time, Brussels continues to collect opinions from developers and another stakeholders on the changes made by the company.
According to sources close to the talks, there is simply a good chance of reaching an agreement quickly. The final consequence will have a crucial impact on Apple's business in Europe, especially on the way the App store operates and relations with developers.
