Apple Ensures Adherence to European Law Following European Commission Investigation Announcement

Apple asserts that its plan is compliant with European law, in response to the European Commission’s announcement of an in-depth investigation into the company. The Commission concluded that Apple’s digital store does not adhere to the Digital Markets Law of the European Union. Additionally, Brussels has initiated a non-compliance procedure against Apple for the third time, citing concerns about the company’s new contractual requirements for third-party application developers and stores.

Responding to these claims, Apple stated that it has made changes over the past few months to comply with the Digital Markets Act after receiving feedback from developers and the European Commission. The company believes that the majority of developers would pay the same or lower commissions under the new commercial terms they have implemented.

The European legislation mandates that app developers must be able to inform customers of cheaper alternative purchasing options and direct them to those offers. However, the Commission believes that Apple’s commercial terms do not allow this freedom for developers. If found guilty of breaching regulations, Apple could face fines of up to 10% of its total worldwide turnover.

The Commission’s determination to use the tools of the Digital Markets Act to provide opportunities for innovators and consumers is clear. Apple now has the opportunity to examine the documents and respond to Brussels in writing as part of its defense. Despite this ongoing investigation, Apple remains steadfast in its assertion that its plan is in compliance with EU law.