The European Union has fined Apple $568 million for discouraging the use of third-party payment methods on the App Store

The European Union has imposed a fine of $568.6 million (€500 million) on Apple for contravening the rules set by the Digital Markets Act.

According to a report from Eurogamer, Apple breached EU regulations by prohibiting applications on the App Store from directing users to alternative payment options, thereby requiring developers to give 30% of their earnings to Apple.

The European Commission explained in a statement that, according to the DMA, app creators should have the ability to guide customers to other platforms and inform them about external offerings without any cost. Moreover, consumers should have easier access to alternative and possibly cheaper options, a process hindered by Apple's policies. Apple was unable to justify these restrictions as necessary or proportionate, the Commission noted.

The EU's ruling demands that Apple lift "the technical and commercial restrictions on steering" and warns against continuing its non-compliant practices. The fine reflects the seriousness and extent of Apple's non-adherence to the rules.

However, the Commission acknowledged the closure of its investigation into Apple’s obligations regarding user options, acknowledging Apple's "early and proactive engagement".

Similarly, Meta, Facebook's parent company, received a fine of $227.5 million (€200 million) related to advertising practices.

In August, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority halted its investigation into Apple’s in-app payment policies. Meanwhile, Apple had amended its terms in the EU to let developers incorporate links to other payment systems, but the Commission still determined that Apple's actions violated the DMA’s anti-steering requirements in its latest decision.