Apple to Appeal €500 Million EU DMA Fine Over Failing Commission’s Guidance
Apple is set to challenge the European Commission’s €500 million fine for alleged violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), arguing that the Commission disregarded its efforts to comply with the law. According to correspondence reviewed by POLITICO, Apple claims it made several proposals to address the Commission’s concerns throughout 2024 but received little feedback, raising questions about the level of guidance regulators must provide before imposing sanctions.
The dispute centers on Apple’s rules for how app developers can communicate with users, an area the Commission found noncompliant with the DMA. Apple asserts that it invested significant resources and made numerous changes to meet the new requirements, yet the Commission continued to adjust its expectations without clear guidance. The company maintains that it was told to delay changes pending further feedback, but ultimately received none, leading to concerns that a fine was predetermined.
The Commission, for its part, insists that it is the sole responsibility of designated “gatekeepers” to ensure compliance and that it provided sufficient indications when Apple’s proposals fell short. The regulator also encouraged Apple to seek market feedback, emphasizing that its recent decision addresses only the solution Apple implemented, not any hypothetical alternatives.
Apple’s impending appeal is expected to clarify the Commission’s obligations under the DMA, particularly regarding dialogue and feedback with regulated firms. The case will likely set important precedents for how the Commission enforces digital market rules and the extent to which it must engage with companies before issuing fines. The outcome is closely watched by stakeholders, especially as other tech giants like Meta have received reduced fines after engaging with the Commission and implementing changes during ongoing investigations.
Source: Apple to appeal €500M digital fine over EU’s silence in compliance talks
