A recent article from the Financial Times, quoting “sources familiar with the decisions,” indicates that Apple is likely to face fines and be mandated to adjust its App Store policies in the European Union as early as next week. However, the penalties are expected to be less severe than previously anticipated, partly due to influences from President Trump.
The leadership within the European Commission shifted in December, prompting a change in strategy. The current report suggests that the new commission is prioritizing “ensuring compliance from Big Tech firms” over imposing potentially significant fines totaling billions of Euros.
Under the Digital Markets Act, Apple might incur penalties of up to 10% of its global earnings—potentially amounting to tens of billions of dollars. Nevertheless, sources now reveal that the EU is “targeting fines that remain beneath that limit.”
The Financial Times reports that Apple will likely only be subjected to “minimal fines” for insufficient compliance with the DMA. This decision to impose “minimal fines” is said to be influenced, in part, by a desire to “prevent heightened tensions with US President Donald Trump.”
Trump has consistently criticized the EU’s inquiries into American tech giants like Apple and Meta. During his presidential campaign, he recalled that Apple CEO Tim Cook reached out to express concerns regarding the company’s challenges with EU authorities. Additionally, Cook contributed $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund.
After taking office, Trump characterized EU fines as a “form of taxation” and a tactic of “overseas extortion.” Last month, his administration issued a directive warning of possible tariffs on Europe in response to fines levied against American tech firms.
In January, the Financial Times noted that the EU was “reevaluating its investigations into tech companies” in light of Trump’s election. While the EU denied this claim, asserting “no such review is occurring,” they clarified that routine meetings are simply held to evaluate the overall status of ongoing investigations.
Today, the proposals are scheduled to be presented to the EU’s 27 member nations, with an official announcement anticipated next week.
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