EU Closes Apple Antitrust Probe Amid Regulatory Changes

The European Union has closed its antitrust investigation into Apple's App Store rules for ebooks and audiobooks following the withdrawal of the initial complaints, likely due to regulatory changes. The investigation, launched in 2020, focused on Apple's 30% commission on in-app purchases and restrictions against directing users to alternative purchasing options, with complaints from entities like Rakuten's Kobo subsidiary. Despite the closure, the EU Commission clarified that this does not imply Apple's compliance with EU competition laws, as Apple continues to face scrutiny under both these laws and the Digital Markets Act. The Act has already obliged Apple to allow third-party app stores, impacting their monopoly on in-app sales. This investigation was one of several against Apple, including those related to music streaming, which resulted in fines. The Commission remains vigilant in monitoring Apple's business practices within the European tech sector.