According to a source familiar with the subject, Apple will face another EU antitrust allegation in the coming weeks as a result of a complaint from Spotify (SPOT.N), indicating that EU regulators are bolstering their case against Apple.
Last year, the European Commission accused Apple of distorting competition in the music streaming industry by imposing stringent App Store regulations that force developers to utilize the company’s in-app payment mechanism and bar them from telling customers of other purchase options.
Such rules have also been scrutinized in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
Extra costs are frequently imposed on corporations in the form of a so-called supplementary statement of objections when the EU competition enforcer has obtained fresh evidence or adjusted some components to strengthen its case.
Such methods are prohibited under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which was approved by the EU last month. Apple and other US tech firms targeted by the rules, on the other hand, will have a few years before the crackdown begins.
“The DMA isn’t due for another two years. At the start of 2024, the rules will most likely apply to Apple. This is why antitrust lawsuits are still relevant “said Geradin Partners lawyer Damien Geradin, who is advising multiple app creators in previous Apple disputes.
Antitrust violations in the EU can result in fines of up to 10% of a company’s global sales, as well as orders to stop using anticompetitive tactics