Close Menu
    Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X (Twitter)
    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X (Twitter)
    • Home
    • Leadership Alliance
    • Exclusives
    • Internet Governance
      • Regulation
      • Governance Bodies
      • Emerging Tech
    • IT Infrastructure
      • Networking
      • Cloud
      • Data Centres
    • Company Stories
      • Profiles
      • Startups
      • Tech Titans
      • Partner Content
    • Others
      • Fintech
        • Blockchain
        • Payments
        • Regulation
      • Tech Trends
        • AI
        • AR/VR
        • IoT
      • Video / Podcast
    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Home » Apple to appeal $2 billion EU antitrust fine in Spotify case
    Apple EU
    Apple EU
    IoT

    Apple to appeal $2 billion EU antitrust fine in Spotify case

    By cherry qiuMarch 5, 2024No Comments3 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
    • The European Commission charged Apple with preventing Swedish streaming service Spotify and others from informing users of payment options outside its App Store. EU fined Apple 1.84 billion euros ($2 billion) for thwarting competition from music streaming rivals via restrictions on its App Store on Monday.
    • Apple criticised the decision and said it will appeal the decision.

    Apple, the tech giant, has been hit with a hefty fine of 1.84 billion euros ($2 billion) by the European Union for allegedly impeding competition from music streaming rivals through restrictions on its App Store. This marks the first time the iPhone maker has faced such a penalty for violating EU regulations.

    European Commission’s accusations against Apple

    The European Commission accused Apple of preventing companies like Spotify from informing users about payment options outside of the App Store, following a complaint by Spotify in 2019. The Commission argued that Apple’s actions constituted unfair trading conditions, a relatively new angle in antitrust cases, and ordered the company to cease such conduct.

    Apple’s intention to appeal and potential legal battle

    In response, Apple has stated its intention to appeal the decision, signaling a potential protracted legal battle ahead. The Luxembourg-based General Court, Europe’s second-highest court, is expected to handle the case, with a resolution likely to take several years. Until then, Apple will be required to pay the substantial fine and comply with the EU’s directives.

    In a statement, Apple criticised the decision, asserting that the Commission failed to uncover credible evidence of consumer harm and disregarded the realities of a thriving and competitive market. The company also highlighted Spotify’s involvement in advocating for the decision, emphasizing the extensive engagement between Spotify and the European Commission during the investigation.

    Also read: Apple reverses decision to disable home screen web apps in EU

    Financial impact on Apple

    Apple’s stock experienced a 3.2% decline to $173.88 following the announcement of the fine, reflecting investor concerns about the potential long-term effects on the company’s operations and financial performance.

    Despite the significant monetary impact, analysts believe that Apple can absorb the financial blow without an immediate cash impact. However, this development is viewed as a significant step in dismantling the walled gardens that Apple has established around its ecosystem over the years, potentially signaling broader implications for the company’s operations.

    Also read: Apple pilots ChatGPT-like tool called ‘Ask’ for customer service

    Broader trend of regulatory scrutiny

    The EU’s fine on tech companies is part of a broader trend of regulatory scrutiny. For example, the EU has fined Google 8.25 billion euros in the past decade, indicating a consistent focus on curbing anticompetitive practices in the tech industry. Apple also faces challenges under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), mandating the removal of App Store restrictions by Mar 7, highlighting ongoing regulatory pressure within the EU.

    Antitrust Apple EU
    cherry qiu

    Cherry Qiu was an intern reporter at BTW media covering AI. She majored in journalism and has various working experiences.

    Related Posts

    AFRINIC vs Cloud Innovation: A corrupt registry’s self-destructive legal war

    July 9, 2025

    Can AFRINIC still be trusted to govern Africa’s IP resources?

    July 9, 2025

    How AFRINIC tracks and reclaims bogus IP registrations

    July 9, 2025
    Add A Comment
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    CATEGORIES
    Archives
    • July 2025
    • June 2025
    • May 2025
    • April 2025
    • March 2025
    • February 2025
    • January 2025
    • December 2024
    • November 2024
    • October 2024
    • September 2024
    • August 2024
    • July 2024
    • June 2024
    • May 2024
    • April 2024
    • March 2024
    • February 2024
    • January 2024
    • December 2023
    • November 2023
    • October 2023
    • September 2023
    • August 2023
    • July 2023

    Blue Tech Wave (BTW.Media) is a future-facing tech media brand delivering sharp insights, trendspotting, and bold storytelling across digital, social, and video. We translate complexity into clarity—so you’re always ahead of the curve.

    BTW
    • About BTW
    • Contact Us
    • Join Our Team
    TERMS
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Use
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.