European Union antitrust regulators have accused Apple of violating blockchain rules, an accusation that could result in hefty fines for the iPhone maker, and is also the subject of a separate investigation into new fees imposed on app developers.
The European Commission said it sent preliminary findings to the company after it began its investigation in March.
This is the European Commission's first charge under the Digital Markets Act, which aims to rein in big tech companies and ensure a level playing field for smaller competitors. The final decision will not be made until March next year.
Violations of the Digital Markets Act can result in fines of up to 10% of annual global sales.
European Union antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager pointed to problems with Apple's new terms, saying they did not comply with digital markets law.
If Apple could solve the problem by changing its operating conditions, fines could be avoided.
“We believe that these new terms do not allow app developers to communicate freely with users and conclude contracts with them,” Vestager said at a meeting. It is up to Apple to decide how it complies with the Digital Markets Act, and I can't say that. What's the point of that?"
Apple said it has made several changes in recent months to comply with the Digital Markets Act after receiving feedback from app developers and the European Commission.
“As always, we will listen and work with the European Commission,” the company said.
The European Commission found that under most commercial circumstances, Apple only allows link redirection, meaning app developers can include a link in their app that directs customers to a web page where they can complete a contract.
The European Commission also criticized the fees charged by Apple for the initial acquisition of new customers through the App Store, as they exceed what is strictly necessary.
“We are confident that our program complies with the law, and we estimate that more than 99% of developers are likely to pay the company the same or lower fees under the new terms and conditions,” Apple said.
Vestager said it has also launched an investigation into Apple's new contract requirements for app developers and third-party app stores.