Apple has become the first company to fall foul of the EU's Digital Markets Act, thanks to its lack of support for alternative app suppliers.
Under the DMA, Apple and other"very large online platforms" must allow app developers to steer consumers to offers outside their app stores and allow them to make purchases free of charge. And while Apple is allowed to charge a fee for helping developers find a new customer, the Commission reckons these fees are excessive; for example, the company charges developers for every purchase of digital goods or services a user makes within seven days after a link-out from the app.
"We have also opened proceedings against Apple in relation to its so-called core technology fee and various rules for allowing third party app stores and sideloading. The developers’ community and consumers are eager to offer alternatives to the App Store."