Apple Faces EU Antitrust Complaint Over App Store DMA Violations

Apple Faces EU Antitrust Complaint Over App Store Rules

Two civil rights groups have filed a formal antitrust complaint against Apple with EU regulators, alleging the tech giant’s App Store policies violate the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This marks another significant regulatory challenge for Apple in Europe.

Key Details

• Complaint filed by Article 19 and Germany’s Society for Civil Rights
• Alleges Apple’s terms restrict interoperability and third-party apps
• Comes after Apple’s €500 million DMA fine in April

The Core Allegations

The complaint specifically targets Apple’s business terms for its App Store, iOS, and iPadOS operating systems. According to the civil rights groups, these policies prevent smaller businesses from achieving proper interoperability with Apple devices.

It also challenges restrictions on installing and using third-party software apps and app stores, claiming these practices harm both business users and consumers in violation of DMA requirements.

Financial Barrier for Developers

The groups highlighted Apple’s requirement for a €1 million stand-by letter of credit (SBLC) from developers wanting to distribute apps through the App Store or install third-party app stores.

“A 1,000,000 euro SBLC can impose a recurring annual cost and collateral requirements that many SMEs cannot meet,” stated the 16-page complaint.

Regulatory Response

The European Commission confirmed awareness of the submission. A Commission spokesperson noted: “Third party contributions are very important for the effective enforcement of the DMA. We are already looking into (some of) those issues, as we are currently seeking feedback from market participants in relation to Apple business terms.”

The civil rights groups have urged the Commission to impose fines on Apple. Under DMA rules, penalties can reach up to 10% of a company’s global annual revenue.