The European Union's main market competition regulations have been in force for months against a small number of tech giants. Since March, the block has conducted public investigations into multiple gatekeepers. But Apple is the first company to be fined under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
Apple's App Store rules are in the frame. In June, the block shared preliminary findings with the company, warning that developers should feel free to let users know about alternative purchasing routes. However, Apple has persisted in coming up with new fees to get around the DMA requirement so developers can avoid regular App Store price cuts.
Bloomberg reports that the EU's decision on this matter is still being drafted but could be decided later this month. The amount of the fine was not specified, but the DMA allows fines of up to 10% of annual global revenue, so given Apple's revenue, it could amount to tens of billions of dollars.
Apple has been contacted for comment.