Apple hit with landmark $2 billion EU antitrust fine

The European Union has fined Apple €1.84 billion ($2 billion) for breaking its competition laws. The bloc announced Monday that it would impose the fine for preventing rival music streaming services from telling iPhone users that they could find cheaper ways to subscribe outside of Apple’s app store. The EU’s competition and digital chief said Apple had ‘abused its dominant position’ in distributing music streaming apps, limiting European consumers’ choices. Apple responded by stating that app developers ‘compete on a level playing field’ on its app store. The European Commission opened a formal antitrust investigation into Apple in 2020 after Spotify lodged a complaint against the company. In January, Apple announced changes to its handling of apps in the EU, including allowing third-party app stores on iPhones and iPads and reducing app store fees. This is a developing story.