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The European Commission appears to be tightening its regulatory grip on tech giants once again, this time turning its attention to Google’s Play Store. After years of complex negotiations and fines targeting Apple, the EU is reportedly using Apple’s recent App Store changes as a reference point in evaluating Google’s compliance with fair access and competition rules. The ongoing saga signals a new chapter in the EU’s efforts to enforce the Digital Markets Act (DMA), aiming to reshape the app marketplace across Europe.
Regulatory Pressure Mounts on Google
According to an exclusive report by Reuters, Google could face a significant European Union fine early next year if it fails to make additional changes to the Play Store that ensure fair competition for app developers. Sources indicate that current measures introduced by Google in August—intended to make it easier for developers to redirect customers to other payment channels and choose flexible fee models—are still considered insufficient by EU antitrust regulators.
The EU’s scrutiny is reportedly influenced by Apple’s recent App Store adjustments. Earlier this year, Apple was fined €500 million under the DMA, a decision it is currently appealing. Those fines pushed Apple to implement sweeping changes in its App Store, including adjustments to commission fees and transaction frameworks. Regulators are now using these changes as a benchmark, signaling that Google may need to follow a similar path to avoid penalties.
Comparing the App Stores
Apple’s App Store changes include lowering the initial acquisition fee from 10% to 3%, introducing a two-tier model for transactions and in-app purchases (IAPs), and implementing fees for installs external to the App Store. While Google’s framework differs and comparisons aren’t straightforward, the European Commission appears to see Apple’s approach as the standard for compliance. This shift highlights the regulator’s growing influence over how major app stores operate in Europe, emphasizing transparency, competition, and developer choice.
For Google, the window to propose further adjustments remains open. Reuters notes that the company “can still offer to make more changes before regulators impose a fine, likely in the first quarter of next year.” This indicates that while the EU is firm on enforcing the DMA, it is still allowing room for negotiation and adaptation, mirroring the process seen with Apple earlier this year.
The regulatory scrutiny comes amid a broader effort by the EU to curb monopolistic practices in the tech sector. Both Apple and Google have been under intense observation for years, with the European Commission seeking to ensure smaller developers have fair opportunities to reach users without being subject to restrictive fees or opaque rules.
What Undercode Say:
The European Commission’s approach underscores a strategic evolution in regulatory enforcement. By using Apple as a benchmark, the EU signals that it is not simply imposing arbitrary rules, but rather shaping a framework it considers best practice for fairness and competition. This methodology has several implications.
First, it sets a clear precedent: major app stores must be prepared to follow similar compliance paths, reducing uncertainty for developers but increasing pressure on tech giants to act quickly. The fine looming over Google serves as both a carrot and a stick—it incentivizes voluntary compliance while maintaining the threat of financial penalties.
Second, Apple’s adjustments, though controversial, appear to have positioned the company as a model for regulatory alignment, reflecting a nuanced strategy where the company mitigated penalties by demonstrating actionable reforms. Google, meanwhile, faces the challenge of aligning its Play Store model with these expectations without alienating its own developer ecosystem.
Third, this process highlights a shift in EU regulatory philosophy. Rather than reacting after violations, regulators are now proactively benchmarking companies’ compliance strategies against peers, creating a dynamic standard-setting environment. This could lead to a domino effect, where tech platforms increasingly preemptively adapt to avoid fines, ultimately benefiting developers and consumers through more competitive marketplaces.
However, the road ahead for Google is complex. Its current two-tier fee model, aimed at flexibility, may still fall short if regulators deem Apple’s approach superior in ensuring fairness. Moreover, the looming timeline for fines adds pressure to make substantive adjustments quickly. The tech giant’s response will likely combine both technical tweaks and strategic negotiations to mitigate regulatory risk while maintaining market dominance.
From a broader perspective, the EU’s stance could reshape the global app economy. By enforcing stricter standards in Europe, regulators indirectly influence policies worldwide, as major tech companies often standardize practices across regions to reduce operational complexity. Developers outside the EU may indirectly benefit from these changes, enjoying lower fees and greater freedom in distributing their apps.
Finally, this ongoing saga illustrates the balancing act regulators must perform. Too heavy-handed an approach risks stifling innovation, while too lenient a stance could entrench monopolistic behaviors. The EU’s reliance on Apple’s reforms as a benchmark demonstrates a pragmatic strategy—leveraging proven corporate adjustments to create a clear, enforceable standard without reinventing the wheel.
Fact Checker Results:
✅ EU reportedly using Apple’s App Store changes as a benchmark for Google.
✅ Google’s current Play Store tweaks are deemed insufficient by EU regulators.
❌ No official EU announcement yet about specific fines or compliance timelines.
Prediction:
💡 Early 2026 could see Google introducing more comprehensive Play Store changes, possibly mirroring Apple’s fee reductions and flexible transaction models. Regulatory pressure may drive broader adoption of developer-friendly policies across major app marketplaces globally.
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References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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