Apple, the biggest name in the technology world, occasionally comes face to face with the European Union (EU). The two had previously faced off on charges of violating antitrust law. After the latest development, a heavy penalty may come to Apple.
Apple faces a $39.4 billion fine
Apple has faced many lawsuits over its App Store policies to date. The company may hit the big rock this time. The EU said it violated antitrust law by claiming that users were not adequately informed about other purchasing options in music apps in the App Store.
The European Commission made the following statements on the subject:
The European Commission has sent Apple a Statement of Objection explaining its concerns about App Store rules for music streaming providers. Statement of Appeal, for the purposes of this Commission’s antitrust investigation, IAP [uygulama içi satın alma] clarifies that he no longer takes a position on the legality of his obligation.
Again, Apple reads what it knows: iPhone 15’s outside is USB-C, inside is Lightning!
Apple is converting the iPhone series to USB-C input, following the EU’s rules. But the company will adhere to the Made for iPhone (MFi) principle.
In summary, the EU thinks that Apple is abusing its market dominance. It deliberately hides subscription options at lower prices in music apps from its users. In fact, the investigation dates back two years. As a result of the process that started with Spotify’s complaint to the European Commission, Apple could be fined $39.4 billion.