The European Union is working on a new antitrust decision that could strip Apple of the right to block the use of other payment services in App Store applications. Furthermore, the company could face a fine reaching up to $40 billion.
According to Bloomberg, regulators have supported Spotify’s position in its long-standing conflict with Apple over App Store rules that restrict competition. The final document is currently in the final stages of preparation and is most likely to be published early next year. According to the draft decision, Apple will not only have to pay a fine but also abandon the practice known as “anti-steering” — which prohibits developers from offering users alternative payment methods besides its own system with a 30% commission.
Read also: Telegram introduces a new feature: voice messages that disappear after listening.
Spotify filed a complaint back in 2019, stating that Apple’s policy leads to increased prices for their services. In 2021, the European Commission issued antitrust charges against Apple. Regulators had previously emphasized that Apple creates unfair conditions for developers. Following a similar investigation in Japan, Apple partially relaxed its rules, but the issue remains unresolved in Europe.
Additionally, a separate investigation is examining Apple’s prohibition on informing users about other payment methods. A separate probe into Apple’s payment system is ongoing, and the company is negotiating to settle the situation.
Read also: Japan wants to force Apple to allow app installations outside the App Store.
Another high-profile lawsuit was filed by Epic Games. After a court supported Epic’s demands regarding Apple’s restrictions, Apple appealed the decision to the Supreme Court and obtained a stay to resolve the conflict. Meanwhile, in a similar case against Google, the court found that the tech giant was abusing its dominance in the app store market.
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