(Credit: PCMag/Apple)
The EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) has the world's six big tech gatekeepers scrambling to comply with its myriad rules. However, Apple is not playing as nicely as the EU would like; it's accusing Cupertino of violating the DMA by preventing app developers "from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content."
The investigation began in March and focused on developers' ability to link to alternative payment methods in the App Store and Google Play. The EU also examined whether Apple's fees for third-party EU app stores and sideloading violated the DMA.
It turns out the answer might be yes. "Our preliminary position is that Apple does not fully allow steering," Margrethe Vestager, head of competition policy in Europe, said in a statement. "Steering is key to ensure that app developers are less dependent on gatekeepers' app stores and for consumers to be aware of better offers."
It's the first time the commission has taken action against a major tech company for DMA violations, The Financial Times reports.
The EU takes issue with three Apple business practices: App developers can't include pricing information for third-party app stores or channels within the App Store version of the app; Apple allows developers to "link out" of their app to an external browser but controls what developers can do with link outs; and Apple charges a fee when a developer acquires a new customer through a link-out process.
Apple will have a chance to argue the EU's findings before any penalties are levied.
"In case of an infringement, the Commission can impose fines up to 10% of the gatekeeper's total worldwide turnover. Such fines can go up to 20% in case of repeated infringements," it says.