Apple’s devices, especially iPhones, and the Californian company’s own apps represent a closed ecosystem that puts third-party providers at a disadvantage. The competition watchdogs of the European Union came to this conclusion almost a year ago. Above all, they criticized the system of in-app purchases, which violates applicable EU law, particularly with regard to music streaming services (see ). The decision at the time was preceded by a complaint from Spotify. The Swedish company found itself exposed to unfair competition after the introduction of Apple Music, since the iPhone group naturally does not have to pay “Apple Tax” on the subscription fees for its streaming service.
Apple is threatened with additional adversity in the EU
Things have gotten pretty quiet on the matter over the past few months. The responsible EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager occasionally commented on Apple’s business practices, but high-profile competition law disputes took place elsewhere, for example in South Korea and the Netherlands. Now, however, the iPhone group is apparently planning to expand the process and thus possibly tighten it up. About a month ago, reports surfaced that the antitrust authorities in Brussels would soon be presenting their final list of misconduct blamed on Apple. A recent report by Reuters according to the evidence may have recently developed further against the Californian company.
Competition guardians probably have new insights
According to the news agency, the additional allegations are part of a “Supplementary Statement of Objections” that Apple has now allegedly been sent. Such a letter is usually used when the EU competition authorities have completely new findings or existing allegations can be substantiated by further evidence. Reuters does not give any details, however, and neither the EU Commission nor Apple have commented on the new development of the process. Once the investigation is complete, the iPhone group faces a fine of up to ten percent of global sales. In addition, Apple could be forced to allow alternative app stores and payment methods throughout the EU. The Californian company has already relaxed the rules a little, primarily for streaming providers (see ), but the measures do not go far enough for a number of competition authorities.
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