Apple said to avoid EU fine Apple over browser options
Apple is set to avoid a possible fine and an EU order over its browser options on iPhones after it made changes to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Reuters reports Tuesday citing “people with direct knowledge of the matter.” The European Commission, which launched an investigation in March last year, is expected to close its investigation early next week.
Reuters:
It had been concerned that Apple’s design of the web browser screen on its iPhones may hinder users from switching to a rival browser or search engine.
The EU decision will come amid tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump who has threatened to slap tariffs against countries that levy fines against U.S. companies.
The Commission’s decision to close the investigation early next week will come at the same time as it hands out fines to Apple and Meta Platforms for DMA violations and orders to comply with the legislation, the people said.
In this second Apple case, the issue is whether the company imposes restrictions that hinder app developers from informing users about offers outside its App Store free of charge.
The Meta case concerns its no-ads subscription service in Europe in November 2023 that has triggered criticism from rivals and users, with regulators saying the company should offer free alternative options.
MacDailyNews Take: One sham EU “investigation” (money grab) down, one to go.
The U.S. has leverage and recourse. We expect both to be used.
Trump administration has been warning the EU against excessive regulation of American technology firms. On February 21st, President Trump issued a directive, “Defending American Companies and Innovators From Overseas Extortion and Unfair Fines and Penalties,” threatening to impose tariffs on Europe to combat what he called “overseas extortion” of American tech companies through digital services taxes, fines, practices, and policies. – MacDailyNews, March 19, 2025
See also:
• President Trump blasts EU regulators for targeting Apple, other Big Tech firms – January 23, 2025
• President Trump says Apple CEO Tim Cook called to complain about EU’s $17 billion in fines – October 17, 2024
The European Union arose because the Europeans couldn’t compete on their own with the rest of the world, so they each lined up to surrender their national sovereignty, unique cultures, and dignity for an undemocratic, opaque, wasteful, bloated, bureaucratic quasi-governmental blob – and, even with the EU’s thumbs all over the scale, they still can’t compete. — MacDailyNews, March 4, 2024
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