EU Delivers Formal App Store Ruling: Apple Must Change Anti-Steering Rules or Face More Fines

EU Delivers Formal App Store Ruling: Apple Must Change Anti-Steering Rules or Face More Fines

Brussels has spoken again, and the message to Apple is clear: your App Store rules in Europe are still not compliant with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The European Commission has published its complete 67-page ruling following a €500 million fine imposed on Apple in April. Apple now has until June 22 to fully align its App Store with the DMA's anti-steering provisions or face recurring financial penalties. The core of the issue lies in Apple's anti-steering restrictions, which the Commission found continue to limit app developers' ability to inform users about alternative payment methods outside the App Store and facilitate transactions through external platforms. According to the ruling, these restrictions contravene Article 5(4) of the DMA, which requires designated gatekeepers like Apple to allow app developers to communicate freely with their users and offer competing payment systems without unfair conditions or excessive fees. The DMA came into force in November 202…