EU 'welcomes' Apple steps to comply with digital rules
The European Commission has accepted Apple's revised business terms for app developers, which allow for alternative distribution channels and payment systems within the EU. This move aims to comply with the Digital Markets Act and avoids further daily fines for the tech giant.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in Apple's 'walled garden' ecosystem, driven by aggressive EU regulatory enforcement on digital competition.
The European Commission on Tuesday welcomed changes made by Apple to its rules for app developers to address charges of breaking the bloc's competition rules, and avert the risk of new fines.
The commission slapped Apple with a fine of 500 million euros ($586 million) in April 2025 after concluding it violated EU rules by preventing developers from steering customers outside its App Store to access cheaper deals.
An EU statement said Apple has committed to offer "revised" terms to developers for both the iPhone and iPad, namely letting them choose between the App Store, third-party app stores or the web as distribution channels.
"The Commission welcomes Apple's changes to their business terms," said a statement from the EU executive, saying the tech giant would implement the new terms in the bloc from October 2026.
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