Apple faces a potential landmark penalty in the European Union as regulators prepare to enforce rules governing access to music streaming services. The reports originate from a Financial Times study cited by RIA Novosti, indicating Brussels is poised to take a firm stance against practices that limit how consumers can pay for streaming subscriptions. The case centers on whether Apple restricts advertising of alternative payment methods that would allow users to purchase subscriptions outside the App Store, a move that could amount to an anticompetitive barrier in the digital market. If confirmed, the consequence could be a substantial fine and a clear message about enforcing fair competition in the app ecosystem across EU member states. The European Commission’s investigation began after a complaint from Spotify, a major industry rival, which alleged that Apple’s app store rules disadvantage competing music services by steering users toward Apple’s own payment system.
The Financial Times states that the anticipated sanction, expected to be announced in the near term, is roughly €500 million. The broadcaster emphasizes that the Commission’s inquiry focuses on whether Apple used its dominant position within its own platform to distort competition and give its services an unfair edge over rivals. This inquiry connects to broader concerns about platform gatekeeping, where a single provider exerts influence through in-house payment mechanisms, subscription management, and distribution channels that may limit consumer choice and stifle market entry for other players. The implications extend beyond a single company, signaling potential changes in how digital marketplaces are regulated and how similar platforms might conduct their payment practices in the future.
The Financial Times, as quoted by sources familiar with the case, suggests that Brussels views Apple’s conduct as illegal under EU competition rules. The Commission is expected to argue that Apple abused its leadership in the music streaming segment by prioritizing its own services and imposing terms that hamper competitors. This could set a precedent for ongoing scrutiny of platform operators who control access to software distribution, subscription processing, and monetization avenues used by tens of millions of consumers in Europe and beyond. The case is widely watched by policymakers, developers, and users who rely on interoperable and fair online markets for a broad range of digital services.
Earlier reporting from Insider touched on unrelated topics, noting that Apple was experimenting with iPhone camera designs. While the camera inquiry stands separate from the EU antitrust matter, it reflects ongoing attention to how Apple manages hardware and software ecosystems. Throughout both developments, the core issue remains the balance between platform control and competitive freedom, a dynamic that continues to shape consumer experience, developer opportunities, and regulatory expectations in a rapidly evolving digital economy across North America and Europe.