Apple in Last-Minute Talks to Avoid More EU Fines Over App Store Rules [Report]

Apple is reportedly in last minute negotiations with EU regulators, trying to hash out a deal over its App Store rules to sidestep a fresh round of fines, according to a new report from the Financial Times.



The talks center on Apple's compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the EU's landmark legislation designed to rein in the power of Big Tech. In April, the European Commission fined Apple €500 million for violating anti-steering rules that prevent developers from directing users to better offers outside the App Store. Apple was given two months to make changes, with a deadline set for Thursday, June 26.


According to people familiar with the negotiations cited by the Financial Times, Apple is expected to propose some concessions related to these steering provisions. This could delay further penalties, as regulators would first review the changes before taking additional steps. If Apple is found to remain non-compliant, it could face escalating fines of up to 5 percent of its average daily global revenue.

The discussions have also reportedly touched on Apple's "Core Technology Fee," which charges developers for each annual app install after one million downloads. The EU has been reviewing that policy since June of last year and may choose to continue its investigation or close the matter.

The timing coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Europe for a NATO summit, adding a layer of political complexity. Trump has previously slammed EU fines on U.S. tech companies as "overseas extortion" and a "form of taxation." Reports in recent months have indicated that the EU was already wary of potential backlash from Trump, and in April, planned fines were postponed amid trade discussions.

The European Commission confirmed that it was "engaging closely with Apple to discuss effective compliance" but declined to speculate on the outcome. It emphasized that it "has ample regulatory powers at its disposal, if Apple continues to be in breach of its obligations under the DMA."


Apple declined to comment on the report.

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