Apple Slapped with Record $2 Billion EU Antitrust Fine

In a groundbreaking move, the European Union has imposed a staggering $2 billion fine on Apple for violating competition regulations. This penalty marks the first of its kind on the US tech giant by the EU.

Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s competition and digital chief, accused Apple of exploiting its dominant position in distributing music streaming apps, limiting European consumers' freedom to choose where and how they subscribe to music streaming services.

The EU claimed that Apple prohibited app developers from fully informing iOS users about cheaper subscription options outside its app store. This included concealing price disparities between in-app subscriptions and alternative channels.

Apple has denounced the decision, claiming it lacks credible evidence of consumer harm and disregards the competitive nature of the market. The company asserts that app developers compete fairly on its platform and intends to appeal the fine.

The fine represents a significant portion, 0.5%, of Apple's global annual turnover. The investigation into Apple began in 2020 following a complaint from Spotify, which accused Apple of unfairly favoring its own services over competitors. 

Spotify has lauded the EU's decision, emphasizing the message it sends against abusive market practices. Apple, on the other hand, claims that Spotify benefits most from the fine. Meanwhile, Apple announced changes to its app policies in the EU, including allowing third-party app stores on its devices and reducing app store fees, in anticipation of new regulations under the Digital Markets Act. These events are a stark reminder of how regulators can shape market forces