Apple to appeal 'unprecedented' €500m fine from EU
Apple has lodged a formal appeal with the EU Court of Justice against a €500m fine imposed by the European Commission for breaching Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules. The company calls the decision "unprecedented" and asserts that the EU's demands are against the law and the new App Store terms "confuse developers and harm users".
The gist of the case
In April 2025, the EU fined Apple for preventing the App Store from allowing developers to direct users to cheaper purchases outside of Apple's ecosystem - that is, violating the DMA's "anti-redirection" ban. The fine totalled a record €500m.
Apple complied by adding the ability to link to external payments and repurposing its commission structure in Europe, but argues that the regulator went too far. As a counterargument, Apple argues that the new rules are confusing and degrade the experience of using the shop for users and developers.
Why it matters
Fight for control of the App Store. Apple argues that the EU is setting out exactly how it should run the shop, violating its right to business independence.
The scale of the fine. The €500m sum is the first DMA sanction against a major company in time and scope.
The danger of new fines. The EU could levy €50m each day if Apple fails to comply.
Precedent for other tech giants. Apple is only the first victim of the DMA: Meta was previously fined €200m for similar "behaviour".
Source: Bloomberg
