The European Commission has determined that Apple breached EU antitrust rules by blocking Spotify and other music services from promoting alternative payment methods for subscriptions within iOS apps. This finding comes as part of the Commission’s ongoing assessment of how Apple’s platforms handle payments and app distribution, a matter closely watched by regulators across Europe and beyond.
As a consequence, Apple faces a potential penalty that could reach 10 percent of its global revenue for the year. Using Apple’s reported revenue figure from 2022, which stood around $394.33 billion, the possible fine could amount to roughly $39.4 billion if the commission’s final remedy imposes such a rate on the annual turnover.
The antitrust inquiry by the European Commission into Apple’s conduct in the music services market began in 2020. The commission has reiterated that its current decision is not the final word and that Apple has an opportunity to respond and present its case before any binding remedy is issued.
In a formal statement, the European Commission asserted that Apple’s practices had diminished consumer choice and placed developers at a disadvantage for an extended period. The commission emphasized the goal of protecting consumers and restoring fair competition on the iOS platform, noting that swift resolution would provide clarity for developers and users alike.
At the time the news was released, Apple did not issue a response to media inquiries, leaving the company’s stance on the matter undisclosed in official channels for that moment.
Previously, coverage in other outlets highlighted broader concerns about supply chain disruptions and their impact on global device availability, underscoring how regulatory actions in major markets can intersect with manufacturing and distribution dynamics. This context helps illustrate why antitrust scrutiny of large platform owners remains a focal point for policymakers and industry observers worldwide.