EU scrutinizing iPadOS changes

Antitrust regulators in the European Union are set to judge whether or not Apple has done enough to bring its iPad operating system under compliance with rules outlined in the Digital Markets Act.

In March, Apple released iPadOS 17.4, with more than 600 new APIs, expanded app analytics, functionality for alternative browser engines, and more. The changes allowed third-party developers to distribute apps outside of Apple's App Store in the EU, a change Apple begrudgingly made to comply with the Digital Markets App (DMA).

Now, EU regulators are assessing whether or not Apple has gone far enough. The assessment will be based on the input of interested stakeholders.

"Apple must, among others, allow users to set the default web browser of their choice on iPadOS, allow alternative app stores on its operating system, and allow accessory devices, like headphones and smart pens, to effectively access iPadOS features," the European Commission said in a statement.

If found to have fallen short, the European Commission could take action against Apple. A breach of the rules can cost Apple up to 10% of its global annual turnover, rising to 20% for repeat offenses.

In June, European Union announced a preliminary finding that Apple was in breach of the Digital Markets Act. It was reported that the tech giant restricts the practice of steering or allowing developers to direct users to their platform of choice rather than using Apple's first-party App Store.

8 Comments

bloggerblog 2513 comments · 16 Years

About 2 weeks ago

EU regulators: We don't want to innovate, we just want YOU to give us more money!!!

alandail 768 comments · 20 Years

Insane the EU thinks they can set fines based on global revenue, and not EU revenue. Apple isn't the only company facing this level of arrogance where the EU is stating a claim on revenue that has nothing whatsoever to do with them. Why isn't the WTO stepping in to block this?

ihatescreennames 1971 comments · 19 Years

alandail said:

Insane the EU thinks they can set fines based on global revenue, and not EU revenue.

If you like that, you’ll love this. The EU wants to fine X, but since X’s revenue is low, they’re considering basing the fine on revenues from other Musk-owned companies. So, if the EU feels X deserves a fine, they’ll add revenue from SpaceX and The Boring Company to boost the fine, even though these companies have nothing to do with X (except a common owner).

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-17/musk-s-empire-risks-being-targeted-by-eu-for-potential-x-fines

gatorguy 24607 comments · 13 Years

alandail said:

Insane the EU thinks they can set fines based on global revenue, and not EU revenue. Apple isn't the only company facing this level of arrogance where the EU is stating a claim on revenue that has nothing whatsoever to do with them. Why isn't the WTO stepping in to block this?

Perhaps using the some of the same reasoning that makes it OK to sell things for a profit in one county or region, but avoid paying taxes on the profits by moving them to some other place in the world. How would EU sales even be computed with any certainty, and resultant agreement between the parties?
https://taxjustice.net/faq/what-is-transfer-pricing/

The EU is a lightweight compared to the US, the perfect example of a worldwide policeman.
https://islandtimes.org/us-acting-as-global-policeman-for-financial-crimes/

There are no hard borders where money is concerned. Many countries have VERY long reach, from antitrust actions to mergers and more, and intervene in cases outside their own borders regularly. When it comes to finance, borders are almost non-existent.
https://www.foley.com/insights/publications/2020/06/the-long-arm-of-american-enforcement/
https://www.whitecase.com/insight-our-thinking/global-merger-control-trends

jwdawso 393 comments · 23 Years

alandail said:

Insane the EU thinks they can set fines based on global revenue, and not EU revenue. Apple isn't the only company facing this level of arrogance where the EU is stating a claim on revenue that has nothing whatsoever to do with them. Why isn't the WTO stepping in to block this?

I understand your comment, but it’s just a smokescreen. The real issue is why do we think they would stop at 10%? Why not 20%? Why not 100%? Why would they not arrest Apple employees and confiscate all bank accounts, stock and property? I’m sure Apple has an EU exit plan. Apple wouldn’t lose all the EU revenue. There will be a black market for the elite, with some normal people also taking advantage. The UK has not suffered leaving the EU…