Apple is reportedly close to reaching a settlement with the European Commission over ongoing antitrust cases linked to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The agreement could resolve long-standing disputes about Apple’s App Store policies and its compliance with new EU competition laws designed to curb the power of dominant tech platforms.
According to a report by the Financial Times, both Apple and Meta are in the final stages of negotiating with European regulators to avoid further penalties from Brussels after facing a combined €700 million fine earlier this year. The penalties were issued for breaching key provisions of the DMA, which aims to ensure fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices by major tech firms operating in the region.
The potential settlement signals a major shift in Apple’s compliance strategy within the European Union. Regulators have repeatedly accused the company of limiting competition through its App Store structure, particularly around app distribution, in-app payments, and access to user data. Under the Digital Markets Act, Apple is classified as a “gatekeeper,” meaning it must open its ecosystem to rival services and ensure fair access for developers.
In the recent year, Apple has made several notable changes to align with the DMA, including enabling third-party app stores, allowing alternative payment options, and offering developers more flexibility to distribute apps outside the App Store. However, the European Commission maintains that Apple’s new Core Technology Fee and complex approval process still hinder competition, suggesting that additional adjustments are required before full compliance can be achieved.
The settlement discussions also take place against a backdrop of political tension between Brussels and Washington. US President Donald Trump has criticized the Digital Markets Act, arguing that it unfairly targets American companies and threatens to retaliate against European countries that “discriminate” against US tech firms. Despite this, the EU continues to defend its regulatory stance, emphasizing the need to protect consumer choice and encourage market diversity.
Meta is also part of these settlement negotiations, facing scrutiny for how it shares user data across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp for targeted advertising. Regulators have demanded stronger consent mechanisms and clearer separation between data streams. The inclusion of both Apple and Meta in the same talks underscores the European Commission’s intent to enforce the DMA uniformly across major tech firms.
For Apple, a settlement could help stabilize its operations in Europe and prevent additional billion-euro fines. It would also clarify how the App Store will function under the new regulatory environment, potentially reshaping the developer ecosystem. Beyond Europe, this deal could influence how Apple adapts to emerging digital competition laws in other regions, including the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia.
If finalized, the agreement would mark one of the first major settlements under the Digital Markets Act, setting a precedent for how similar cases will be handled in the future. Apple’s willingness to negotiate could be viewed as a strategic move to maintain compliance while preserving control over its platform. Developers, regulators, and consumers alike will be watching closely to see whether the outcome leads to more genuine competition and flexibility across the iOS ecosystem.
