Apple facing potential $39.4 billion fine after EU claims Apple Music violates antitrust laws

The European Commission has announced that it has issued a Statement of Objections to Apple over concerns regarding App Store rules for music streaming services that compete against Apple Music, alleging that “Apple’s anti-steering obligations are unfair trading conditions in breach of Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.”

As reported by AppleInsider, Apple is now facing a potential $39.4 billion fine from the EU, with the Commission concerned that “the anti-steering obligations imposed by Apple on music streaming app developers prevent those developers from informing consumers about where and how to subscribe to streaming services at lower prices.”

In a statement shared online, the EU alleges that Apple has breached antitrust laws relating to restrictions imposted by Apple on developers advertising subscriptions through the App Store.

In June 2020, the Commission opened formal proceedings into Apple’s rules for app developers on the distribution of apps via the App Store. In April 2021, the Commission sent Apple a Statement of Objections to which Apple responded in September 2021.

Today’s Statement of Objections, by clarifying the Commission’s objections, replaces the 2021 Statement of Objections.

In a Statement of Objections the EU has informed Apple in writing of the objections raised against them. Apple can now examine the documents in the Commission’s investigation file, reply in writing and request an oral hearing to present their comments on the case before representatives of the Commission and national competition authorities.