The EU has decided not to fine iPhone maker Apple after all for its choice of default web browser on iPhones and iPads.
In 2024, the company was left with no choice but to comply with the Digital Markets Act by enabling the default web browser option from an entire list of choices for iPhones using iOS 18.2. In the past, they were allowed to use the default browser option of Safari only.
Apple's initial compliance attempt faced backlash from browser companies, which accused it of deliberately delaying implementation. The delay hindered users from switching from Safari to alternatives like Chrome. Additionally, Safari remained the default browser for those who didn't manually select another option.
The EU explained how the Safari browser still served as an unfair advantage. To improve this, Apple pushed new options on screens that show up at the start when using the iPhone. It could list Safari among different third-party options for browsers. The iPhone maker also enabled different browsers to use the web engines.
The changes seem to be enough to make the EU happy, as per media outlet Reuters, as they’ve withdrawn all the fines and chosen to close the investigation. Many experts feel it might also have to do with the fact that the new Trump administration has rolled out threats for tariffs against the EU and will be forced to take stricter actions against different American organizations.
If they did go ahead with the fine, it would be as high as 10% of the firm’s global revenue figures. Now Apple would certainly be happy with this news, but it’s not out of deep waters yet. It remains under investigation for more ongoing anti-steering cases. The Cupertino firm is accused of adding restrictions for developers to stop them from taking external payments across App Stores free of charge. So we still need to see how that unfolds with time.
However, it can definitely breathe a sigh of relief as making the EU happy is not easy, and that’s why many tech giants, including Apple, face serious setbacks and legal challenges in this part of the world.
Image: DIW-Aigen
Read next: Instagram Addresses Concerns About Student Safety By Collaborating with Schools to Address Bullying and Harassment
In 2024, the company was left with no choice but to comply with the Digital Markets Act by enabling the default web browser option from an entire list of choices for iPhones using iOS 18.2. In the past, they were allowed to use the default browser option of Safari only.
Apple's initial compliance attempt faced backlash from browser companies, which accused it of deliberately delaying implementation. The delay hindered users from switching from Safari to alternatives like Chrome. Additionally, Safari remained the default browser for those who didn't manually select another option.
The EU explained how the Safari browser still served as an unfair advantage. To improve this, Apple pushed new options on screens that show up at the start when using the iPhone. It could list Safari among different third-party options for browsers. The iPhone maker also enabled different browsers to use the web engines.
The changes seem to be enough to make the EU happy, as per media outlet Reuters, as they’ve withdrawn all the fines and chosen to close the investigation. Many experts feel it might also have to do with the fact that the new Trump administration has rolled out threats for tariffs against the EU and will be forced to take stricter actions against different American organizations.
If they did go ahead with the fine, it would be as high as 10% of the firm’s global revenue figures. Now Apple would certainly be happy with this news, but it’s not out of deep waters yet. It remains under investigation for more ongoing anti-steering cases. The Cupertino firm is accused of adding restrictions for developers to stop them from taking external payments across App Stores free of charge. So we still need to see how that unfolds with time.
However, it can definitely breathe a sigh of relief as making the EU happy is not easy, and that’s why many tech giants, including Apple, face serious setbacks and legal challenges in this part of the world.
Read next: Instagram Addresses Concerns About Student Safety By Collaborating with Schools to Address Bullying and Harassment
