Apple Faces New EU Antitrust Complaint Over App Store Restrictions
Apple is under renewed scrutiny in Europe as two civil rights groups file an antitrust complaint alleging violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The complaint targets restrictive App Store and device terms that limit competition and consumer choice, effectively locking users into Apple's ecosystem.
The groups highlight Apple's requirement for developers to secure a €1 million standby letter of credit (SBLC) to distribute apps or install third-party app stores on iOS and iPadOS. This barrier disproportionately affects small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), stifling innovation and competition.
With potential DMA penalties reaching 10% of global revenue, the pressure is mounting on Apple to address these allegations. The European Commission's response could set a precedent for how tech giants operate within the region.