EU 'welcomes' Apple steps to comply with digital rules

The European Commission expressed satisfaction on Tuesday with Apple's efforts to comply with digital regulations and avert potential new fines. In April 2025, the Commission had imposed a €500 million fine (around $586 million) on Apple for allegedly breaching competition rules by prohibiting developers from directing users away from its App Store to access cheaper alternatives.

An EU statement highlighted that Apple has agreed to revised terms for developers concerning both iPhone and iPad platforms, allowing them to choose between the App Store, third-party app stores, or the web for distribution. The Commission confirmed that Apple will implement these new terms starting October 2026. Apple announced its own changes, which it said resolve disagreements with the Commission over business terms and alternative distribution channels.

Following last year's fine, Apple was required to make changes to adhere to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) or face substantial daily fines exceeding €50 million. The Commission is currently not contemplating periodic penalty payments but is observing the proposed measures. According to the Commission, the revised terms provide developers with more freedom to steer App Store users towards alternative platforms and payment systems.

Apple also committed to simplifying its App Store fees, enabling EU users to access alternative app distribution channels even while traveling outside the bloc. The EU has recently strengthened its legal tools through significant laws, the DMA and the Digital Services Act, which have been criticized by the United States as regulatory overreach.

Apple has consistently challenged the DMA's antitrust rules, claiming it has no choice but to comply under the threat of hefty fines. The company filed a case before the EU's top court arguing that stricter DMA rules should not apply to its iOS operating system and App Store, but the case was dismissed last month. U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized the EU's digital laws and taxes as "non-tariff barriers" to trade, and many tech executives have aligned with his administration.