Could Apple’s €500m EU Fine Reshape App Store Rules—and Shift the Ground for UK Publishers?

Apple May Be Forced to Open Up New Sales Avenues Under EU Digital Markets Act

For years, publishers have criticised Apple’s App Store for its high fees and monopoly over digital content sales. Now, in a major win under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple has been fined €500 million and given 60 days to comply with new rules.

The UK is also tackling big tech dominance with its own Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill (DMCC), led by the Competition and Markets Authority. This could also eventually force Apple and Google to allow publishers to sell directly to users outside their platforms, but this is some way off.

Although the EU ruling doesn’t yet apply to the UK, it's unclear if Apple will adopt similar changes voluntarily or wait until UK legislation is passed.

The EU’s DMA team found that that the tech giant to have misused its dominant position in the app ecosystem—particularly in how it distributes and monetises apps—by creating barriers that have long hindered competition.

The EU’s enforcement is expected to significantly ease the path for pu…