The company officially objected to a record penalties of the European Union Commission on Apple for its restrictive policies in the App Store. Apple argues that this penalty exceeds legal limits within the framework of the Digital Markets Law (DMA). The company applied to the European Court of Justice and demanded the cancellation of the decision. This case brought back the relationship between technology giants and regulations in Europe.
The reason for the penalty was explained as Apple’s prevention of developers’ users from directing users to non -application payment methods. The European Commission imposed sanctions by evaluating this practice as a violation of DMA. Apple says that developers update the App Store rules to direct users. However, the commission found these changes inadequate.
Apple announced comprehensive structural changes in the App Store
Apple announced extensive structural changes in the App Store to be valid in Europe last March. These include allowing alternative application stores, supporting third -party browser engines and new commercial conditions. The company argues that it has become compatible with DMA by taking these steps. However, the commission, in particular, claimed that routing restrictions are still continuing.
In addition, Apple made new updates last week and opened the way for developers to direct users to external payment solutions. In -app connections were allowed and the door was opened to the promotion of alternative payment systems. However, Apple said that he applied these arrangements to avoid daily penalties. This explanation clearly reflects the tension between the Commission and the Commission.
Apple said in a statement, the European Commission directly intervened in the company’s functioning was emphasized. The company says the Commission imposes how to manage the App Store and that developers and users are damaged. In the petition to the court, the penalty is argued that the penalty is beyond disproportionate and beyond legal limits. Apple believes that this approach damages both the sector and the user experience.
Apple also argues that the concept of guidance is constantly redefined by the European Commission. Initially understood as a connection, now the routing now includes promotional contents, web views and other app stores. This makes the rules unpredictable for developers. Apple states that this uncertainty creates difficulties in implementing App Store policies.
Apple, on the other hand, says that the European Commission is involved in the store service fees received from the developers. This pricing system, announced in 2023, was divided into two levels. In the first stage, only 5 percent of basic app store services were determined. In the second level, the ratio for wider services was announced as 13 percent and this ratio for small enterprises was reduced to 10 percent.
In addition to all these, Apple states that the Commission has decided which services will be included in which wage level. For example, application discovery features can only be presented under the second stage. This means higher fee for developers who want more services. Apple thinks that this configuration is forcing developers.
Although Apple states that it adapts to European regulations, the Commission argues that it does not show enough flexibility in the company’s applications. This legal dispute between the parties will also show how DMA’s impact on technology giants will be shaped. The decision of the European Court of Justice may also be a precedent for other major platforms. This process may directly affect the course of Apple’s activities in the European market.
Although Apple’s objection process is still at the beginning, this case is expected to be closely monitored for the future of digital market regulations. How to apply the rules introduced by DMA and the level of technology companies to adapt to these rules begins to become clear. The extent to which the company’s defense will be effective will become clear after the court decision.