The Commission has decided to close its antitrust investigation into Apple’s allegedly anti-competitive behaviour in some of the terms it applies to developers of competing e-book/audiobook apps for the use of its App Store in the European Economic Area.
On 16 June 2020, the Commission opened an antitrust investigation into (i) Apple’s rules imposing mandatory use of its own in-app purchase (“IAP”) system; and (ii) Apple’s restrictions on the ability of competing e-book/audiobook app developers to inform iPhone and iPad users of cheaper alternative purchase possibilities available outside the App Store (“guidance”) (AT.40652). On the same day, it opened two other antitrust investigations concerning similar terms in Apple’s app shop relating to music streaming (AT.40437) and other apps competing with apps or services offered by Apple (AT.40716).
On 4 March 2024, the Commission fined Apple for abusing its dominant position in the market for the distribution of music streaming apps in case AT.40437. On 24 June 2024, following Apple’s designation as gatekeeper in relation to its App Store under the Digital Markets Act, the Commission decided to close its antitrust investigation with broader scope in case AT.40716. Under the Digital Markets Act, Apple must not compel app developers to use its IAP and must refrain from imposing monetary and non-monetary restrictions on targeting.
Following the withdrawal of the complaint filed against Apple by an e-book and audiobook distributor, the Commission has decided to close its antitrust investigation specifically concerning e-book/audiobook applications (AT.40652).
The closure of an investigation does not entail a finding that the conduct in question is in line with the EU competition rules. The Commission will continue to monitor business practices in the European technology sector, including those of Apple, under both the Digital Markets Act and the competition rules.
Further information: European Commission
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