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According to sources, the fine is anticipated to be imposed this month, though the exact date may still change.
Apple is set to be fined by the European Union’s antitrust regulators under the bloc’s landmark rules aimed at reining in the power of Big Tech, making it the first company to be sanctioned, sources with direct knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday.
In June, the authorities accused the iPhone manufacturer of violating the bloc’s technological regulations. The Commission brought its first charge under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) against Apple.
According to the sources, the fine is anticipated to be imposed this month, though the exact date may still change.
As EU regulators work to level the playing field for smaller businesses, the fine would compound Apple’s already growing antitrust issues.
Just a few months ago, in March, Apple was hit with a EUR 1.84 billion ($2.01 billion) fine by Brussels for imposing restrictions on its App Store that prevented rival music streaming companies from competing with it. This was the first fine Apple had ever received for breaking EU laws.
An investigation into new fees levied against app developers is also underway against Apple. DMA violations could result in a fine of as much as 10 percent of a company’s global annual turnover.
The Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into force earlier this year, requires Apple to allow users to set the default web browser of their choice on iPads, permit alternative app stores on its operating system and allow headphones and smart pens to access iPad OS features.
Apple declined to comment. The European Commission did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Apple was also ordered to pay EUR 13 billion (about Rs. 1,17,941 crore) in back taxes to Ireland after losing a protracted legal battle with the EU in September.
Earlier on Tuesday, Bloomberg broke the news of Apple’s impending EU fine.
According to Bloomberg, which cited people familiar with the case, watchdogs are preparing the penalty after Apple refused to permit app developers to direct users to less expensive offers and deals outside of the App Store.