EU Opts for Small Apple Fines Over DMA Violations, Wary of Trump Backlash [Report]

Next week, the European Union will reportedly impose fines on Apple and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, under its Digital Markets Act (DMA). The penalties, however, will be notably restrained as Brussels aims to enforce its new tech regulations without sparking a confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a recent Financial Times report.

The fines stem from separate investigations into the two tech giants. For Apple, regulators have zeroed in on App Store policies that may restrict developers from directing users to cheaper alternatives outside the platform. The company will face a fine and an order to adjust those rules. A second probe into Apple, examining the design of its web browser choice screen, will conclude without additional penalties. Meanwhile, Meta's "pay or consent" model, which requires users to either allow data tracking or pay for an ad-free experience, will also draw a fine and a mandate for changes.

Under the DMA, penalties can reach up to 10 percent of a company's global revenue, potentially translating to billions for both Apple and Meta. Yet, three EU officials told the Financial Times that the European Commission is opting for fines well below that ceiling. The DMA, a relatively new framework aimed at reining in Big Tech's market power, remains untested in court, prompting a cautious approach from regulators.


The decisions reflect a broader shift in Brussels. The new European Commission, in office since December, is prioritizing compliance over hefty financial punishments. This comes as the EU navigates a delicate balance with the U.S., where Trump has criticized EU fines on American firms as "overseas extortion" and threatened tariffs in response. One source from an affected company noted that aggressive moves against U.S. tech could strain transatlantic ties and harm European businesses in the fallout.

Apple has already made adjustments to comply with DMA rules, leading regulators to drop a case about whether its operating system discourages users from switching browsers or search engines. Meta, for its part, has argued that its updates already exceed EU requirements. The planned fines and orders, still subject to change, will be reviewed by representatives of the EU's 27 member states on Friday, with an official announcement expected next week. The Commission declined to comment on the matter.

These developments mark an early test of the DMA's enforcement, as the EU seeks to regulate tech giants while managing diplomatic and economic pressures from across the Atlantic.

Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for more updates.