Apple avoids EU fines for now, but risks remain

Apple won’t face immediate penalties from the European Union, even if it misses the June 26 deadline for complying with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The European Commission previously fined Apple €500 million in April 2025 for breaking DMA rules. These rules require companies like Apple, labeled as a “gatekeeper” due to its strong market position, to let app developers inform users about cheaper purchase options outside the App Store.

The EU found that Apple’s restrictions limited user choice and competition, which the DMA aims to protect. The Commission is giving Apple more time to follow the rules, choosing an ongoing discussion over instant fines. However, Apple still faces the threat of future penalties if it doesn’t meet the DMA’s requirements. The law allows fines up to 10% of a company’s global yearly revenue, which could be significant for Apple.

For now, no clear timeline exists for when the EU will finish reviewing Apple’s compliance or decide on further actions. The DMA targets big tech firms like Apple, Meta, and others to ensure fair competition and more options for users. While Apple has made some changes to its App Store policies in Europe, the Commission is still checking if these are enough. This situation reflects ongoing tensions between Apple and EU regulators over how the company controls its platform.