Apple Takes EU's $587M Fine to European Court

Apple has taken its battle against a €587 million fine from the EU to the European Court of Justice after being found to have violated digital market rules by restricting app developers from directing users to cheaper offers outside the App Store. The company has reformulated its App Store rules to comply with the EU order, but the EU's competition watchdog is seeking feedback from app developers before deciding whether to accept the changes or demand more.

Apple has taken its battle against a €587 million fine from the European Union to the European Court of Justice. The company was found to have violated digital market rules by restricting app developers from directing users to cheaper offers outside the App Store. Apple has since reformulated its App Store rules to comply with the EU order, but the EU's competition watchdog is seeking feedback from app developers before deciding whether to accept the changes or demand more.

The European Commission fined Apple €500 million earlier this year for breaching landmark rules aimed at curbing the power of Big Tech. The fine was imposed due to technical and commercial restrictions that prevent app developers from steering users to cheaper deals outside the App Store [1].

Apple has introduced several changes to its App Store rules in response to the fine. These changes include allowing developers to share multiple links directing users to external sites, alternative stores, or apps. Additionally, Apple has implemented a two-tier fee structure, with the first tier offering basic access to app review, privacy labels, and support, and the second tier providing full suite of App Store services [2].

However, Apple argues that the EU's demands overstep its authority and that the changes are confusing for developers and bad for users. The company has accused the European Commission of expanding the definition of "steering" and mandating business terms that are confusing and harmful to users. Apple's appeal to the European Court of Justice is the latest in a series of clashes between US tech companies and Brussels over digital market rules [3].

The Digital Markets Act, a cornerstone of the EU's digital strategy, is designed to limit the gatekeeping power of major tech platforms and promote fairer, more open digital markets. The act mandates greater interoperability, transparency, and user autonomy. Apple's appeal highlights the ongoing tension between the EU's regulatory efforts and the business practices of major tech companies [4].

References:
[1] https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2025-07-07/apple-takes-fight-against-587-million-eu-antitrust-fine-to-court
[2] https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/apple-appeals-580m-eu-penalty-7459282/?utm_campaign=storylines_en&utm_source=rss
[3] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/07/apple-appeals-eu-fine-app-store
[4] https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/apple-appeals-580m-eu-penalty-7459282/?utm_campaign=storylines_en&utm_source=rss