Apple’s €500M EU Fine: A Battle Over App Store Control and “Confusing” Terms

Apple has appealed the European Union’s €500 million fine, arguing that the European Commission’s decision over its App Store practices is forcing it to adopt “confusing” business terms. This legal challenge represents a significant escalation in the ongoing struggle for control over digital ecosystems.
The hefty penalty, issued in April, stemmed from the Commission’s finding that Apple had violated the Digital Markets Act by preventing app developers from steering users to cheaper deals outside its App Store. The EU’s objective was to promote a more open and competitive digital environment.
Although Apple had recently modified its App Store rules to comply with the EU’s directives and avoid further fines, the company now claims that Brussels is excessively dictating how it manages its platform. Apple contends that the imposed terms are detrimental to both developers and consumers.
A central point of Apple’s appeal is its assertion that the EU has unlawfully expanded the definition of “steering,” now including internal app promotions alongside external links. This broader interpretation, Apple argues, creates ambiguity and complicates compliance for developers.