BRUSSELS – Apple has escalated its legal battle with the European Union, filing an appeal on Monday against a €500 million ($587 million) fine imposed for allegedly violating the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The penalty, issued in April, accused the iPhone maker of imposing unfair restrictions on app developers by preventing them from directing users to cheaper alternatives outside the App Store.
Apple Fights Back, Calls EU Demands “Unprecedented”
The company formally challenged the ruling at the General Court of the European Union, the bloc’s second-highest court, arguing that the European Commission’s requirements exceed legal obligations.
“The EC is mandating how we run our store and forcing business terms which are confusing for developers and bad for users,” Apple said in a statement. “We implemented changes to avoid punitive fines but will now present our case to the court.”
Last-Minute Compliance Changes to Avoid Heftier Penalties
In June, Apple revised its App Store policies to comply with the DMA, scrapping technical and commercial barriers that had drawn regulatory scrutiny. The move helped the company evade daily penalties of 5% of its global revenue—roughly €50 million per day.
However, the European Commission is still assessing whether Apple’s adjustments fully meet DMA standards. Regulators are currently gathering feedback from app developers before deciding whether to accept the changes or push for further concessions.
A Broader Clash Over Big Tech Regulation
The case marks another high-profile conflict between Silicon Valley giants and EU regulators, who have intensified efforts to rein in the dominance of major tech platforms. The DMA, which took full effect in March, aims to foster competition by requiring “gatekeeper” firms like Apple to open their ecosystems to rivals.
Apple’s appeal could set a critical precedent for how aggressively the EU enforces its new digital rules—and how far tech companies must go to comply.
