Apple has been slapped with a massive €1.8 billion fine by the European Commission (EC) for what it terms as ‘anti-steering provisions’ related to the distribution of music streaming apps on iOS and iPadOS through its App Store. The EC found that Apple had imposed restrictions on app developers, preventing them from informing iOS users about alternative and potentially cheaper music subscription services available outside of the App Store ecosystem.

According to EU antitrust rules, such actions by Apple are deemed illegal. The investigation revealed that not only did Apple restrict app developers from fully informing users about alternative music subscription options, but it also prohibited them from providing instructions on how to subscribe to these alternatives.

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While users on iOS have the option to subscribe to third-party music streaming services directly through the service’s website, circumventing the App Store, Apple’s policies prohibit any advertisement of this option within the apps themselves. This restriction extends to preventing developers from including links in their apps that would direct users to their websites for subscription purposes, or even contacting iOS users via email to inform them of alternative options for music streaming.

The imposition of a €1.8 billion fine aims to serve as a significant deterrent to Apple and other large companies engaging in similar practices. Alongside the fine, the European Commission has mandated that Apple remove these anti-steering provisions and refrain from engaging in any similar infringements in the future, or adopting practices with similar objectives or effects.