Recently, 34 digital organizations, including prominent app makers like Epic Games and Spotify, have raised concerns about the changes Apple is making to its services in the European Union. These organizations have complained to the European Commission, stating that the modifications being made by Apple “make a mockery” of the new antitrust rules in the bloc. In a letter to the EU executive, the organizations expressed their worries that Apple’s proposed scheme for compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) may not meet the law’s requirements, thus hindering their ability to deliver the benefits of the DMA to consumers as quickly as possible.
In January, Apple announced that it was adjusting how its iOS operating system, Safari browser, and App Store function in the 27-nation EU to align with the DMA regulations aimed at curbing anti-competitive practices online. The DMA requires tech companies designated as “gatekeepers,” such as Apple, Google parent Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and TikTok owner ByteDance, to comply with the rules by March 7. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to 10 percent of global revenue for non-compliance and 20 percent for repeat offenders.
One of the significant changes Apple announced was the opening of its App Store to rival apps and the inclusion of payment services beyond Apple Pay on iPhones. However, app developers choosing this route are faced with a new “Core Technology Fee” from Apple, charging them 50 euro cents ($0.54) per download for apps exceeding a million downloads. This new fee structure has sparked criticism from many app developers, including Epic Games, the creator of the popular game Fortnite, who argue that it imposes a substantial financial burden on them while benefiting Apple and cementing its gatekeeper status.
Various companies and experts have expressed doubts about the extent to which Apple’s changes will truly enhance consumer choice and promote digital competition. The European Commission, when contacted about the letter from the digital organizations, stated that the proposed compliance measures by designated gatekeepers would undergo thorough analysis after the March 7 deadline. The Commission emphasized that it would evaluate the enforcement measures comprehensively and not solely based on a few announcements. The spokesperson also reiterated the Commission’s commitment to closely monitor companies’ compliance and take necessary actions once full enforcement powers are in place.
The concerns raised by digital organizations about Apple’s compliance with the EU’s antitrust regulations highlight the complexities and challenges in regulating tech giants and ensuring a competitive digital market. It remains to be seen how Apple’s changes will impact the landscape of digital services in the EU and whether further actions will be taken to address the issues raised by stakeholders.
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