BRUSSELS, Oct 22, 2025 – Apple (AAPL.O) was hit with a new EU antitrust complaint by civil rights groups over App Store terms, adding regulatory pressure after a 583 million fine earlier this year 1. The complaint alleges violations of Europe’s Digital Markets Act, which could trigger additional penalties for the iPhone maker.
- Civil rights groups file new EU complaint against Apple
- Focuses on App Store terms violating digital competition rules
- Adds pressure after April’s 583 million DMA fine
Regulatory Pressure Mounts
Two civil rights groups filed the complaint with EU antitrust regulators on Wednesday, targeting Apple’s App Store rules and device terms of service 2. The joint complaint alleges these practices violate the Digital Markets Act, Europe’s landmark legislation aimed at curbing Big Tech’s market power 3.
This complaint creates additional regulatory headaches for Apple, which already faces a 500 million (583 million) fine imposed in April for breaching DMA requirements 4. The European Commission has been investigating Apple’s app distribution practices since 2020 under formal antitrust proceedings 5.
Digital Markets Act Enforcement
The DMA, which took effect in 2023, designates Apple as a “gatekeeper” company subject to stricter rules governing how it operates its digital platforms. Under the legislation, Apple must allow alternative app stores and payment systems on iOS devices in Europe.
The complaint specifically challenges Apple’s Core Technology Fee structure, which charges 0.50 per annual app install beyond one million downloads, even for apps distributed outside the App Store 6. Critics argue this fee structure undermines the DMA’s intent to promote competition.
Broader Tech Scrutiny
Apple’s latest regulatory challenge comes amid heightened scrutiny of Big Tech companies across Europe and the United States. The company has consistently defended its App Store policies as necessary for user security and privacy while arguing that regulatory changes could compromise device integrity.
The timing of this complaint coincides with ongoing investigations into other major technology companies, including Meta and Google, under similar digital competition frameworks. Industry analysts expect continued regulatory pressure on Apple’s business model, particularly regarding its lucrative services segment.
Market Implications
Apple’s services revenue, which includes App Store commissions, generated 24.2 billion in the most recent quarter, representing roughly 22% of total company revenue. Any significant changes to App Store operations could impact this key growth driver for the world’s most valuable company.
The complaint adds uncertainty for investors already monitoring Apple’s compliance costs and potential revenue impacts from European regulatory changes. Apple has previously indicated it will challenge the April fine and continues to work with regulators on DMA compliance measures.
Not investment advice. For informational purposes only.
References
1(2025, October 22). “Exclusive: Apple hit with EU antitrust complaint over App Store terms”. Reuters. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
2(2025, October 22). “Apple hit with new EU antitrust complaint over App Store rules”. Investing.com. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
3(2025, October 22). “Apple hit with EU antitrust complaint over App Store terms”. TradingView. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
4(2025, October 22). “Apple hit with new antitrust complaint amid Big Tech scrutiny”. City AM. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
5(2020). “Antitrust: Commission opens investigations into Apple”. European Commission. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
6(2025, July 7). “Apple Challenges ‘Unprecedented’ 500M EU Fine Over App Store”. Reddit. Retrieved October 22, 2025.