Apple Appeals €500 Million EU Fine Over App Store Restrictions

Apple has appealed a €500 million ($587 million) fine imposed by the European Union for allegedly violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA) through its App Store policies, particularly restrictions that prevent developers from steering users to cheaper payment options outside the platform. Apple argues that the EU's decision and fines exceed legal requirements, imposing confusing business terms that hurt both developers and users. The company has made recent changes to its App Store, including new pricing models and tiered commissions, to comply with EU directives and avoid daily penalties. However, the European Commission contends that Apple's updates remain insufficient and unlawfully restrict developers, emphasizing that fees linked to user acquisition must be one-time rather than recurring. Apple’s appeal, filed at the EU General Court, signals its intention to contest the EU's interpretation of the DMA and the scope of regulatory mandates on its app ecosystem. This dispute is part of a broader regulatory friction between US tech giants and European authorities, with critics like Peter Navarro framing the EU's actions as protective measures against American companies.