EU imposes nearly $2 billion fine on Apple for allegedly ‘blocking’ alternative music apps

After months of speculation, the European Commission has officially fined Apple €1.8 billion ($1.95 billion) for restricting alternative music streaming apps on the App Store. This marks the EU’s first fine for Apple and its third-largest ever announced. The investigation, which began in 2020 after Spotify filed a complaint, found that Apple engaged in anti-competitive behavior by preventing app developers from fully informing iOS users about cheaper music subscription services available outside of the app.

The Commission stated that Apple’s practice of anti-steering, where it prohibited developers from providing information or links to alternative subscription purchasing options, is illegal under EU antitrust laws. This behavior, which has been ongoing for nearly a decade, may have caused iOS users to pay more for music streaming subscriptions due to the fees imposed by Apple.

In response to the fine, Apple plans to appeal the decision. The European Commission set the hefty fine at €1.8 billion in an effort to deter Apple from repeating similar actions in the future.