Apple appears set to avoid daily fines from European Union regulators following reported acceptance of its recent App Store rule changes. Sources close to the matter indicate that EU antitrust authorities are leaning toward green-lighting the iPhone maker’s revised fee and rule structure, implemented to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The DMA, which came into force earlier this year, seeks to curtail the dominance of major tech companies and create a more level playing field for smaller rivals. Apple had been under mounting pressure to align its App Store operations with the new rules. Regulators had given the company 60 days to remove what were deemed anti-competitive restrictions or risk significant daily penalties.
In response, Apple introduced a new fee structure for developers using its App Store. The company stated that developers will now pay a 20% commission on purchases made through the platform. For those enrolled in Apple’s small-business program, fees could drop as low as 13%. This adjustment aims to provide more favorable conditions for smaller developers while still allowing Apple to monetize its ecosystem.
The company also revised other conditions to give developers more flexibility, including a greater ability to direct users to alternative payment options outside the App Store. This was one of the core demands of EU regulators under the DMA framework.
While the European Commission has not made an official announcement, reports suggest the changes are likely to satisfy DMA requirements at least for now. This would be a significant relief for Apple, which has been facing increasing regulatory scrutiny not only in Europe but also in other regions like the U.S. and South Korea.
The development highlights the growing influence of regulatory bodies in reshaping how Big Tech operates globally. For Apple, it marks a critical turning point as the company navigates the fine line between maintaining control over its lucrative App Store and adhering to evolving antitrust laws.
If confirmed, the EU’s acceptance of the changes would allow Apple to avoid hefty daily fines while offering developers more competitive options a win for both innovation and compliance.
