Apple has recently found itself in hot water with the European Union, as it has become the first Big Tech company to be charged with violating the EU’s new digital markets rules. The European Commission has accused Apple of restricting developers from communicating with users and offering promotions directly through its App Store, a practice known as anti-steering.
The EU’s competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, stated that Apple is not fully allowing steering, which is essential for app developers to be less reliant on app store gatekeepers and for consumers to have access to better offers. Thierry Breton, the European commissioner for the internal market, also criticized Apple for stifling innovation and limiting consumer choices.
These charges are just the preliminary findings, and Apple will have the opportunity to respond before potential fines are imposed. The tension between Apple and the EU has been escalating for some time, with investigations opened into the company’s alleged failure to comply with competition rules.
Developers have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with Apple’s business terms, calling them abusive and extortionate. However, Apple’s spokesperson maintains that the company is operating within the law and providing opportunities for developers to utilize the capabilities of the App Store.
In response to regulatory uncertainties, Apple announced that it would not release its artificial intelligence features in the EU this year. Concerns about compromising user privacy and data security due to interoperability requirements of the Digital Markets Act were cited as reasons for the decision. Features such as iPhone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements, and Apple Intelligence will be affected by this delay.
It’s worth noting that other tech giants like Google and Meta have also blamed new EU rules for delaying the rollout of new features. Google postponed the EU release of its ChatGPT rival Bard, while Meta halted plans to train its AI on European users’ personal data. These decisions have been criticized for hindering innovation and competition in the AI sector.
Overall, Apple’s clash with the EU highlights the ongoing battle between Big Tech companies and regulatory authorities. The outcome of this antitrust probe will likely have significant implications for the future of app development and consumer choice in the European market.
