The European Commission imposed a penalty of 18 on Apple on the 4th400 million euros, citing Apple's monopolistic behavior in the streaming business.
European Commissioner for Competition Margaret Vestageg said that Apple has "abused" the Apple Store's dominant position in streaming software publishing for 10 years, preventing streaming software vendors from telling consumers that there are "other cheaper paid services outside the Apple ecosystem", thus violating EU antitrust regulations.
Streaming*** software providers are required to pay a 30% commission to Apple when they provide services through the Apple Store, and they are unable to explain to consumers on Apple devices that the commission is included in the total price, provide consumers with a link to a cheaper option, or even tell consumers via email that other cheaper options exist.
According to the European Commission, Apple's approach "may have resulted in many" users of Apple's operating system paying "much higher" fees for streaming services, as streaming software vendors are required to pay Apple "high commissions that are passed on to consumers."
The EU's investigation stems from an antitrust complaint filed against Apple in 2019 by Swedish service provider Shengtian.
Vestager said Apple must allow streaming software providers to "communicate freely" with users in Apple's operating system in the future.
Apple was not satisfied with the penalty decision and said it would appeal. Apple said the European Commission "failed to find credible evidence of consumer victimization and ignored the competitive and fast-moving realities of this thriving market." (End) (Hui Xiaoshuang).