European Union regulators accuse Apple of breaching the bloc's tech rules
What limitations does Apple impose on app developers' communications?
Apple restricts app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content. It only allows steering through a system where developers can provide a link that sends users to a webpage for purchasing content. However, this process is subject to several restrictions imposed by Apple, preventing developers from communicating, promoting offers, and concluding contracts through their preferred distribution channels.
Which other tech companies are under investigation by the EU?
The EU has opened investigations into some of the biggest tech firms, including Apple, Meta, and Google, over uncompetitive practices1. These companies are being looked into for potential breaches of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduced in 2022. If found to have broken the rules, the firms can face huge fines of up to 10% of their annual turnover.
How does Apple's current system for steering restrict developers?
Apple's current system for steering restricts developers by only allowing them to provide a link that sends users to a webpage for purchasing content, such as subscriptions. This process is subject to several restrictions imposed by Apple, preventing app developers from communicating, promoting offers, and concluding contracts through their preferred distribution channels.