Apple Appeals €500M Fine in EU Over App Store Allegations

Apple has appealed a €500M ($580M) fine from the European Commission for allegedly breaching the Digital Markets Act, calling the penalty "unprecedented." The EU regulator said Apple breached its anti-steering obligation under the DMA in April. Apple announced last month that it would appeal the fine, stating that it would continue to comply with the DMA.

Apple has appealed a €500M ($580M) fine from the European Commission, claiming the penalty is "unprecedented." The EU regulator accused Apple of breaching its anti-steering obligation under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in April. Apple announced last month that it would appeal the fine, stating that it would continue to comply with the DMA [1].

The EU Commission fined Apple for restricting app developers from informing users about external purchase options, which the Commission argued limits consumer choice and fair competition. Apple's appeal contends that the Commission's requirements are confusing for developers and detrimental to users [2].

In response to the fine, Apple has implemented changes to its EU app store policies. The company introduced a tiered fee structure, ranging from 5% to 13% for developers, depending on the level of access they desire. Apple also allows developers to share multiple links directing users to external sites, alternative stores, or apps [3].

The appeal is part of Apple's broader strategy to challenge the expansion of the DMA, arguing that the Commission's demands overstep its authority. Apple maintains that the new fee structure is a calculated response to the EU's tough stance on digital markets [3].

The case highlights the ongoing regulatory battle between tech giants and EU regulators, with significant implications for the digital economy. Apple's appeal may set a precedent, influencing how global markets approach digital competition and user autonomy [3].

References:
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/07/apple-appeal-eu-fine-app-store.html
[2] https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2025/07/07/world-apple-appeals-EUs-fine-on-app-store/9851751894196/
[3] https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/apple-appeals-580m-eu-penalty-7459282/