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Apple is locked in last-minute negotiations with Brussels regulators and is making changes to the App Store to avoid a series of escalations that will win EU fines for it to come into effect this week.
The $30-dollar company is in talks with the European Commission after being fined 500 million euros for violating Bloc’s digital market laws.
Those involved in the negotiations said they were expected to provide concessions to the “steering” provisions that would stop users from accessing offers outside the App Store.
Regulators ordered the Silicon Valley Company to amend the rules within two months of the initial Euro 500 million fine, and on Thursday ordered a deadline for the company to comply with block rules to avoid new taxes. These financial penalties can escalate over time, reaching up to 5% of the average daily world revenue.
According to people with knowledge of consultations, Apple is expected to announce concessions that will buy the company more time, as it will first evaluate those changes before making a final decision.
Those involved in the negotiations said the discussion also touched on Apple’s “core technology fees.” That fee requires developers to pay per yearly installation after 1 million downloads. The EU has been scrutinizing these business conditions since June last year, allowing you to pursue further issues or choose to stop investigating them.
Future decisions will be made as President Donald Trump visits Europe for the NATO summit in The Hague this week and Brussels and Washington are approaching the July 9 deadline for the trade deal.
The EU rules regarding Big Tech are the major flashpoint between Brussels and Trump, previously comparing EU fines to “overseas fear tor” and calling them “a form of taxation.”
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Also, Brussels on Thursday will need to decide whether changes announced in November 2024 in the free personalized ad model are sufficient to avoid new fines from Brussels under the DMA.
The committee confirmed it was closely involved with Apple “to discuss effective compliance,” but could not speculate on potential outcomes by the June 26 deadline.
“The Commission is free to use sufficient regulatory authority if Apple continues to violate its obligations under the DMA,” he added.
Apple declined to comment.
