EU regulators accuse Apple of breaching digital competition rules for app stores

The Act aims to stop tech giants cornering digital markets Picture: Yui Mok/PA

European Union regulators have accused Apple of breaking new rules on digital competition by preventing software developers on its App Store from steering users to other venues.

The European Commission said that according to the preliminary findings of its investigation, the iPhone maker had breached the 27-nation bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The Act is a sweeping set of regulations aimed at preventing tech giants from cornering digital markets.

“Act different” should be their new slogan🍏

For too long @Apple has been squeezing out innovative companies — denying consumers new opportunities & choices.

Today we are taking further steps to ensure AppStore & iOS comply with #DMA pic.twitter.com/e741oV9r9l

— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) June 24, 2024

The commission, the bloc’s executive arm, said Apple’s rules for its App Store “prevent app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content”.

Apple said over the past several months, it “has made a number of changes to comply with the DMA in response to feedback from developers and the European Commission”.

“We are confident our plan complies with the law,” the company said.