The European Commission has determined that Apple violated the Digital Markets Act (DMA)

Following a probe initiated in March, the European Commission has concluded that Apple violated the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The initial assessment revealed that Apple's interaction rules contradicted the DMA as they "prevent app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content."

The Commission pointed out that Apple's business conditions restrict developers from promoting alternative app stores effectively. While Apple allows developers to add links to websites within their apps, these links come with numerous limitations.

Among these limitations is the "core technology fee," requiring developers to pay €0.50 annually for each app install beyond the first, whether distributed through the App Store or other marketplaces.

In response, the Commission has initiated a non-compliance investigation addressing several points, including the core technology fee, developer eligibility, and downloading processes for alternative app stores on iPhones.

These alleged breaches could potentially subject Apple to daily fines amounting to 5% of its average daily turnover, which could exceed $1 billion.

The regulator emphasized, "Under the DMA, developers distributing their apps via Apple's App Store should be able, free of charge, to inform their customers of alternative cheaper purchasing possibilities, steer them to those offers and allow them to make purchases."