Apple is finally getting a break in Europe. For a while, things looked pretty tough. New rules meant big changes for Apple’s app ecosystem and how they managed it. Fines were adding up, and another one was coming. But now, the tide seems to be turning. The company might just get some great news: the European Union could forgive a massive fine.
It looks like Apple is about to escape a fine for breaking the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in Europe. Just weeks ago, Apple finally gave in. They announced big changes to their policies for app creators. Now, the European Commission might just lift its previous punishments. It seems these new App Store rules are enough to get a nod from EU regulators.
Reuters reported this good news on July 22, 2025. The European Commission is reportedly thinking about canceling the penalties against Apple for breaking the DMA. Regulators seem to think Apple’s proposed changes from late June are sufficient. They should announce their official decision in the next few weeks. While this information isn’t official yet, sources say the Commission will give Apple the green light and won’t fine them.
The reason for this change of heart is a new set of rules for the App Store. A few weeks ago, the European Commission hit Apple with a 500 million euro fine. This was because Apple stopped developers from sending their users to offers outside the App Store. Regulators were unhappy with these limits. They also didn’t like the fees Apple charged developers who used this system in their apps. That’s why they punished Apple.
After facing daily fines that could hit 50 million euros, Apple decided to lighten up. They announced that external links would now be allowed without any limits. Developers can now point users to deals within apps, on outside websites, or other places. They won’t have to pay the 27% fee for each external link used anymore. Instead, there will only be an acquisition fee and a tax, ranging from 5% to 15%, depending on how users pay.
On top of these promotion policies, Apple will also make it easier to install apps or other app stores directly from a developer’s website. This is a big step forward. It gives consumers more options. Just like with Android, users won’t be stuck with only what’s in the App Store. They’ll be able to download apps from other places.
You might think this sounds like a win-win, but Apple sees it a bit differently. Even after getting fined and announcing these changes, the company actually appealed the original penalty. They accused the European Union of overstepping its bounds. Apple wasn’t happy about the Commission telling them how to run their own app store.