On December 14, Mobile China learned that the EU antitrust authorities will launch an investigation into Apple and may take legal action against it to prohibit it from abusing its App Store system. This news has sparked global attention, as it could have a significant impact on Apple's business model and competitive position. It is understood that the EU will make a decision in early 2024, and Apple may be fined at that time.
Since the beginning of this year, Apple has suffered frequent losses in the European market. Previously, Apple and Ireland lost a €13 billion tax bill conflict with the European Union's antitrust regulator and may be forced to pay a $14 billion tax bill. In the case against Ireland and Apple, the European Commission accused Ireland of giving Apple an unfair competitive advantage through tax incentives. The EU's highest court will issue a binding ruling in the coming months.
In the case against Ireland and Apple, the European Commission accused Ireland of giving Apple an unfair competitive advantage through tax incentives. In its 2016 decision, the European Commission said that Apple had benefited from two tax rulings in Ireland for more than 20 years, which artificially lowered its tax burden to as low as 0005%。
According to Apple's financial report, in the fourth quarter of 2023, Apple's revenue will be $83.7 billion, a year-on-year increase of 29%, of which the international market will account for 62%. Apple's profits are also staggering, with a net profit of $20.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023, up 62% year-on-year.