Apple contests EU’s €500 million fine over App Store payment limitations

On Monday, Apple revealed that it has filed an appeal against the European Union’s decision to levy a €500 million (around $580 million) fine for not complying with regulations that require developers to direct users to payment options outside the App Store, according to various reports.

The European Commission imposed the fine in April, citing that Apple failed to meet the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) which mandates the company to allow developers to process payments outside of Apple’s ecosystem.

In late June, Apple revised its app distribution fee structure in the EU, introducing a more complex system that includes an initial acquisition fee, a store services fee, and a core technology commission aimed at enabling alternative payment options. This adjustment seems to be a tactic to avert further fines from the European Commission.

“We believe the European Commission’s decision — and their unprecedented fine — go beyond legal requirements. Our appeal will show that the EC is dictating how we operate our store and enforcing business terms that are confusing for developers and harmful for users,” Apple stated in a statement to TechCrunch.

This story has been updated with comments from Apple.