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Apple Faces Mounting Pressure Over DMA Compliance
In April 2025, Apple was hit with a €500 million fine for violating the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) — a landmark regulation aimed at reining in the dominance of tech giants. The penalty was tied specifically to Apple’s anti-steering policies that restrict developers from directing users toward external payment options outside the App Store. Despite the heavy fine, Apple has made no substantial changes to its App Store guidelines in the EU since then.
With a 60-day compliance deadline set to expire on June 26, Apple now finds itself in high-stakes negotiations with the European Commission. A recent Financial Times report reveals that the tech giant is “locked in last-minute” talks to potentially revise its App Store policies. Apple may announce limited concessions soon — but whether these adjustments will meet DMA requirements remains unclear.
The heart of the conflict lies in
So far, the European Commission has taken a cooperative tone but remains firm. Officials stated they are “closely engaging with Apple” on compliance, while also warning that regulatory power remains in full force if violations persist beyond the June 26 deadline.
The Commission hasn’t revealed what precise changes it expects, but one speculation is that Apple may eventually allow developers to guide users to third-party payment options with fewer restrictions — similar to developments in the U.S. resulting from the Epic Games lawsuit.
As tension builds, this confrontation between Apple and the European Union could set a global precedent for how Big Tech is regulated across digital marketplaces.
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The Clash of Power: Apple vs. Regulation
Apple’s legal and operational struggle in the EU reveals a deeper systemic issue: the collision between tech monopolies and global governance. The DMA was designed precisely to prevent gatekeeping behavior by digital platforms that dominate their ecosystems — and Apple is among the top targets.
Despite being fined half a billion euros, Apple’s apparent hesitation to overhaul its App Store policy suggests a strategy to delay and negotiate, rather than comply outright. From a corporate perspective, this isn’t surprising. The App Store generates billions in revenue annually, and any significant loss of control over payment methods directly threatens Apple’s profit model.
The 27% external link commission and the €0.50 Core Technology Fee appear to be strategic countermeasures — an attempt to preserve revenue while technically meeting DMA terms. But these measures are being interpreted by the European Commission as bad-faith compliance. The EU wants meaningful change, not token gestures.
This situation also has broader implications for other tech firms. If Apple is forced to concede, it could create a domino effect across other gatekeeper platforms like Google and Amazon. Meanwhile, developers and consumers stand to benefit — with greater transparency, lower costs, and more competitive markets.
From a legal standpoint, the EU’s resolve is clear: regulators are signaling that financial penalties are just one part of their arsenal. The Commission is prepared to escalate enforcement, and even restrict platform operations, if companies are found in ongoing breach of the DMA.
Apple’s best path forward likely involves a phased compliance roadmap, where it can offer flexibility without giving up complete control. But time is running out — and as June 26 approaches, both tech analysts and investors are watching closely. The outcome could reshape digital marketplaces across the globe.
✅ Fact Checker Results
Apple was fined €500 million for DMA violations in April 2025.
Current rules do allow external links, but with a 27% commission.
The EU is still negotiating and may delay further penalties if progress is made.
🔮 Prediction
If Apple’s upcoming concessions are deemed insufficient, we predict that the European Commission will escalate enforcement, possibly with new fines or operational restrictions within the EU by late 2025. Long-term, Apple may be forced to abandon its App Store commission structure entirely for EU-based users — which could inspire similar reforms in other global markets.
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Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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