A new conflict is emerging between Apple and the European Union. The European Commission (EC) has issued a press release indicating that it has “notified Apple” of potential violations regarding anti-geo-blocking regulations concerning Apple Media Services, which encompass the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and other services.
This statement from the EC follows a “coordinated investigation” conducted by the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network consisting of various national consumer authorities. The EC claims that the findings revealed “several limitations” imposed by Apple Media Services that “illegally discriminate against European consumers based on their location.”
The CPC Network specifically points out several issues faced by EU consumers regarding online access to Apple Media Services, discrepancies in payment methods, and app availability:
- Online access: Different countries within the EU/EEA experience variations in the interface of Apple Media Services. Users can only use the interface specific to the country where their Apple account is registered, with considerable difficulties encountered when trying to switch this, which goes against EU’s anti-geo-blocking regulations.
- Payment methods: Consumers can only utilize payment options (like credit/debit cards) issued in the country of their Apple account registration for making purchases on Apple Media Services.
- Downloading: The App Store does not permit access to the versions available in other EU/EEA countries, preventing users from downloading apps provided in those regions. Consumers should have the ability to download apps from other EU/EEA countries when visiting or staying there temporarily.
Although the European Commission’s announcement broadly discusses the “Apple Media Services” category, this encompasses all of Apple’s relevant offerings such as the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, iCloud, Game Center, Apple Sports, and more.
Apple now has a month to respond to the findings from the CPC Network and to “suggest commitments to rectify the identified geo-blocking practices.” Following this, the CPC Network could initiate a dialogue with Apple. Should Apple fail to resolve the issues presented, however, the European Commission could pursue enforcement actions against the company.
Follow Chance: Threads, Twitter, Instagram, and Mastodon.
: . More.
