Apple Appeals EU Fine Over App Store Practices

Apple has appealed a €500 million fine imposed by the European Commission for allegedly violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA) through anti-steering policies that restricted app developers from directing users to cheaper alternatives outside the App Store. The Commission based the fine on the 'gravity and duration' of Apple's non-compliance and ordered the company to change its App Store rules. In response, Apple revised its policies in June to allow EU developers to link to external payment methods and alternative offers. Apple argues that the Commission is overreaching by expanding the DMA's definition of 'steering' and mandating business terms that it claims confuse developers and harm users. The European Commission is currently reviewing whether Apple's recent changes meet compliance, with the possibility of further daily fines. The case is being heard in Europe's second-highest court as a key test of the DMA's enforcement.