A collection of app developers and consumer groups want Europe to enforce laws against Apple.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.The Coalition of App Fairness (CAF) on Monday (Dec. 15) issued an open le ...

Core Perspective - The European Commission has initiated three investigations into Amazon and Microsoft to assess whether their cloud computing services should be classified as gatekeepers under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) [4][5][9] Investigation Details - Two of the investigations will evaluate if Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure meet the criteria to be designated as gatekeepers, despite currently not fulfilling the quantitative thresholds for size, user numbers, or market dominance [5][6] - To qualify as a gatekeeper under the DMA, a company must have over 45 million monthly active users and a market capitalization exceeding 75 billion euros (approximately US$87.87 billion) [6] - Companies that violate DMA regulations could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue [6] Regulatory Implications - The DMA's requirements for interoperability and alternative ranking systems may inadvertently lead to more uniform and risk-averse content moderation policies among large platforms, potentially affecting free speech online [7][8] - The third investigation will assess whether the existing DMA framework is adequate to tackle anticompetitive practices in the cloud sector [9][11] Statements from Companies - AWS expressed confidence that the EC would determine that stricter regulations are unnecessary, citing the dynamic nature of the cloud computing sector [12][13] - Microsoft stated its readiness to participate in the inquiry, acknowledging that if AWS and Azure are deemed important gateways, they could be added to the list of core platform services already classified as gatekeepers [14][15] Timeline for Investigations - The EC aims to conclude its investigations within 12 months, with a potential six-month compliance period for any designated gatekeepers [16] - The broader investigation regarding the adequacy of the DMA in governing the cloud market is expected to conclude within 18 months and may lead to formal updates to the legislation [16]

Core Points - The European Commission has initiated market investigations into cloud computing services provided by Amazon and Microsoft under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) aimed at limiting the influence of Big Tech [1] Group 1 - The investigations focus on the competitive practices of Amazon and Microsoft in the cloud computing sector [1] - The Digital Markets Act is designed to ensure fair competition and prevent monopolistic behavior among major technology companies [1] - This move reflects increasing regulatory scrutiny on large tech firms in Europe [1]

Core Insights - Opera has experienced significant growth in daily active iOS users in Europe, nearly tripling over the past two years, with France seeing a fivefold increase in the same period, highlighting the impact of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) on browser competition in the EU [1][2][5] User Growth - The growth rate of daily active users in Europe accelerated from 57% in the first 12 months to 88% in the last 12 months ending October 2025, making iOS Opera's fastest-growing platform [2][6] - Opera's unique features and design have resonated well with users, contributing to the increase in daily active users [3][4] Product Innovations - Opera has introduced several unique features, such as a free VPN and integrated browser AI, which have enhanced its appeal in the iOS ecosystem [4][8] - The launch of Opera One for iOS marked a complete redesign aimed at improving the browsing experience on iPhones, addressing user frustrations with tab management [4][8] Market Opportunities - The implementation of the DMA has provided a browser choice ballot screen for nearly 400 million smartphone users in the EU, with a survey indicating that 80% of Europeans are open to trying new browsers [5][10] - The combination of unique products and increased awareness efforts has fueled Opera's growth on iOS [5] Financial Performance - Opera reported $152 million in revenue for the most recent quarter, reflecting a 23% year-over-year increase, with a 17% growth in browser-based query revenue [6] - The company has maintained a 24% adjusted EBITDA margin, marking its 18th consecutive quarter as a Rule-of-40 company, indicating strong business fundamentals [6]

Core Viewpoint - The European Commission is preparing to investigate Alphabet, Google's parent company, for potential violations of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) regarding the ranking of online news publishers in search results [1][2]. Investigation Details - Allegations suggest that Google's algorithms demote news outlets that feature third-party promotional content, which is crucial for many publishers' profitability [3]. - The DMA aims to regulate large online platforms with significant market power, including Alphabet, and mandates that these companies do not disadvantage other businesses using their platforms [4]. Potential Consequences - Non-compliance with the DMA could result in fines up to 10% of a company's global turnover [4]. - Previous fines include €200 million (approximately $234 million) for Meta and €500 million (about $585 million) for Apple for DMA violations, and Google was recently fined €2.95 billion for favoring its own advertising services [5]. Ongoing Investigations - The European Commission is also looking into other potential breaches by Google, including favoritism in search rankings and hindering developers from promoting alternative offers outside its app store [6]. - In 2018, Google faced a €4.12 billion fine for anti-competitive practices related to its Android operating system [6]. Company Response - Google has acknowledged some complaints regarding "parasite SEO" and claims to enforce spam policies through a careful review process for affected publishers [7].

Core Viewpoint - Apple Inc. is urging the European Union to reconsider the Digital Markets Act (DMA), claiming it poses privacy risks to users and hinders innovation [1][2][4]. Group 1: Apple's Opposition to DMA - Apple has reiterated its opposition to the DMA, which was implemented to protect consumers and prevent abuse of dominance by major tech firms [2][3]. - The company has requested the European Commission to repeal or scale back the DMA, arguing that it disrupts the user experience and exposes users to new risks [2][4]. Group 2: Risks Highlighted by Apple - Apple has expressed concerns that the DMA forces the hosting of external payment services and allows sideloading, which could lead to malware or scams for iPhone users [5]. - The company also warned that allowing other firms to request user data could compromise sensitive information [5]. Group 3: European Commission's Response - The European Commission has stated it will not repeal or modify the DMA in response to Apple's complaints, emphasizing that the act aims to provide consumers in the EU with more choices and ensure fair competition among businesses [5][6].

Core Points - Apple's new AirPods Pro 3 will not include the quick translation feature for European users due to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) [2][3] - The DMA requires interoperability with European products, which may hinder Apple's ability to maintain its brand integrity and product quality [3][6] - The absence of real-time translation could significantly impact European businesses and interpersonal communication, limiting their growth potential [4][5][10] Group 1 - The quick translation feature of AirPods Pro 3 is seen as transformative for European users, enhancing communication for both exporters and importers [4][5] - The DMA's demand for interoperability raises questions about its necessity if European producers are capable of integrating with Apple products without regulation [8] - Open markets are emphasized as beneficial for product quality and consumer choice, suggesting that the DMA may be counterproductive [7][8] Group 2 - Apple's success in Europe is linked to the usefulness of its products, and restrictions may hinder both Apple's growth and the prosperity of European consumers [10] - The article argues that the greatest benefits arise from specialization and trade, which could be compromised by the DMA [9]

Group 1 - Apple has filed an appeal against the EU's decision to impose a €500 million fine for non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act [1] - The European Commission issued the fine in April, stating that Apple did not allow developers to accept payments outside of the App Store [1] - In late June, Apple revised its fee structure for app distribution in the EU to include an initial acquisition fee, a store services fee, and a core technology commission [2] Group 2 - Apple argues that the European Commission's decision and fine exceed legal requirements and impose confusing business terms on developers [3] - The company believes that the mandated changes are detrimental to users [3]

Core Points - Apple announced changes to its App Store payment rules in Europe to comply with EU digital competition regulations, avoiding potential daily fines [1][3] - The European Commission fined Apple 500 million euros ($586 million) for preventing developers from directing customers to cheaper payment options outside the App Store [2][3] - Apple plans to appeal the fine while implementing changes that allow developers to offer different payment options directly within their apps [3][4] Regulatory Context - The EU set a deadline for Apple to comply with its Digital Markets Act (DMA) or face additional penalties exceeding 50 million euros daily [2][4] - The European Commission will assess Apple's new business terms to determine compliance with the DMA [4][5] - Apple has expressed disagreement with the EU's requirements, stating that it is compelled to make changes under the threat of significant fines [5] Industry Implications - The EU's Digital Services Act and DMA represent a significant regulatory shift that has drawn criticism from tech companies and U.S. leaders [5][7] - Ongoing negotiations between the EU and the U.S. regarding digital laws and tariffs highlight the contentious nature of these regulations [7]

Core Points - Apple announced updates to its developer policies to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) ahead of the June 26 deadline to avoid fines [1][2] - The updates include new "anti-steering" rules allowing EU app developers to link to alternative payment methods outside the App Store [3] - Apple introduced a new fee structure, replacing the Core Technology Fee (CTF) with an initial acquisition fee of 2% and a store services fee of either 13% or 5% based on developer tiers [4][5] Developer Fee Structure - The new fee structure includes a Core Technology Commission (CTC) that will replace the CTF, with a 5% commission for developers on standard terms in the EU [6][7] - Developers previously paying the CTF of €0.50 per app install after 1 million downloads will transition to the new rules by January 1, 2026 [7] - Tier 1 developers have limited access to App Store services, while Tier 2 developers gain access to more comprehensive tools and features [5] Industry Reaction - Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Apple's compliance with the DMA, labeling it as "malicious compliance" and arguing it undermines fair competition in digital markets [8]