EU says Apple’s DMA changes are a step in the right direction

Brussels: The European Commission on Tuesday welcomed changes made by Apple to its rules for app developers, saying the move addresses charges that the company broke the bloc’s competition rules and helps avert the risk of new fines.

Apple has frequently criticised the EU’s Digital Markets Act, arguing it had no choice but to make the changes under threat of large penalties.

The Commission fined Apple €500 million ($586 million) in April 2025 after concluding it violated EU rules by preventing developers from steering customers outside its App Store to access cheaper deals.

Under pressure from the DMA, Apple has now announced adjustments to its developer terms.“At this stage the Commission is not considering periodic penalty payments, but is rather monitoring the announced measure,” an EU spokesperson said.

The Commission said it will continue to assess whether Apple’s changes fully bring it into compliance with the DMA. The DMA aims to curb the market power of “gatekeeper” tech firms and force them to open their platforms to more competition, including allowing developers to direct users to alternative payment options.