Apple must modify the App Store after sanctions in Europe

Apple is again in the center of the European Commission after the new requirements imposed to adjust the operation of its App Store to European digital regulations. Community authorities have judged that the American company should make additional changes to the application store, to fully adapt to the Digital Markets Act (LMD), or at risk of supposing New economic sanctions.

Digital markets act for implications for Apple

The European Agency recently published a 67 -page resolution In which he details how Apple, despite having introduced certain modifications under their developer conditions, continues to restrict their access to inform users of alternative payment methods and facilitate transactions outside the environment of the App Store. According to the Commission, these restrictions contravenes article 5, paragraph 4, of the LMDwhich prohibits large intermediaries – called guards– Establish unjust limits or invoice abusive commissions to those who intend to offer other payment systems.

LMD, in force since 2022 and compulsory for the main players in the sector since 2023, It requires that dominant platforms allow developers Communicate freely with users, inform them of offers outside the App Store and include direct links to alternative payment services No additional cost. The intention of the law is to promote competition and to avoid the taxation of conditions which limit the freedom of choice of consumers and developers.

Apple arguments and response to the Commission

Apple defends that its current system – which allows you to add an external link by application, under very controlled conditions and with a warning screen designed by Apple before each redirection – meets the requirements of the LMD. In addition, it prevents developers from automatically filling personal or purchase data in links that run outside the App Store.

However, the The European Commission considers these insufficient measuresBecause, in practice, they make it difficult to redirect users to external payment systems and continue to maintain a environment where competition is limited. A clear example is the commission of 27% that Apple currently applies to purchases made via these alternative platforms, a figure which barely represents a reduction compared to the standard of 30% of traditional purchases within the application, and that, according to the regulator, remains contrary to the objective of “free address” (free direction).

Consequences for Apple and the next steps

Before the Commission's refusal to accept Apple's interpretation on regulations – the company ensures that it is obliged to “allow” and not to “facilitate” the address to external systems – the European authority warns that the technical and procedural barriers imposed by Apple Discourage the use of alternative payment methods and perpetuate the situation in the field. The Commission also rejects Apple's arguments according to the protection of user confidentiality and security, considering them insufficient to justify the violation.

Therefore, Apple has until June 22 To adapt your app store completely to European regulations and eliminate any obstacle that limits developers. Otherwise, it is exposed to periodic economic sanctions, calculated according to the severity of the violation and its turnover. In addition, the company must Pay the initial fine of 500 million dollars before July 23 to prevent additional interests from being applied.

Reactions and context

Addressing the media, Apple said that Brussels decisions threaten the intimacy and security of its European users And they force the company to give its technology for free, emphasizing the fact that the requirements of the committee of the criteria of realization and hampered their attempts to find a solution. Despite her intention to resort to the decision, Apple has ensured that she continues to collaborate with the Commission and defend the interests of her clients.

This episode marks a turning point in the Battle between regulators and great technology on the European digital market. The result of this process does not only condition the Apple's strategy in the short term, but will also mark the way to other players in the sector in relation to the opening of their platforms and the treatment of developers.

The current situation shows how regulatory pressure in Europe Apple forces to review its business model on the App Storefully approach the problems of competence and freedom of choice in the digital ecosystem. The result of this process remains uncertain, although it marks a before and after in the relationship between the company and European regulators.