Apple is once again under regulatory scrutiny in Europe after two civil rights organizations — Article 19 and Germany’s Society for Civil Rights (GFF) — filed a fresh antitrust complaint with the European Commission.
The groups allege that Apple’s App Store policies and device restrictions violate the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), a sweeping law designed to curb the power of Big Tech and promote fair competition, Reuters news report said.
Apple’s Growing Regulatory Challenges in Europe
The complaint, shared exclusively with Reuters before its official publication, adds to Apple’s growing list of legal and regulatory battles within the European Union. Earlier this year, in April 2025, the EU fined Apple €500 million (approximately $583 million) for violating the DMA in connection with its music streaming services.
Now, civil rights advocates are targeting the terms and conditions governing Apple’s App Store, iOS, and iPadOS ecosystems, accusing the company of blocking interoperability and creating barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Key Allegations: Barriers to Fair Competition
According to the 16-page complaint, Apple’s business practices prevent fair access to its ecosystem by restricting interoperability and imposing heavy financial burdens on smaller developers. Specifically, the complaint points to a controversial requirement that developers must provide a €1 million stand-by letter of credit (SBLC) to distribute apps or operate alternative app stores on Apple devices.
“A €1,000,000 SBLC can impose a recurring annual cost and collateral requirements that many SMEs cannot meet,” the complaint stated.
This requirement, the groups argue, effectively shuts out smaller developers who cannot afford such high entry costs, thereby undermining the DMA’s goal of promoting market access and consumer choice.
The Complaint’s Implications
The DMA, which came into force in March 2024, lists specific “dos and don’ts” for large technology companies labeled as “gatekeepers” — including Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft. These rules are designed to ensure fair competition, prevent monopolistic behavior, and give consumers more control over their digital choices.
Article 19 and GFF argue that Apple’s current App Store policies, restrictions on third-party software installations, and limitations on alternative app stores are in direct breach of the DMA.
If the European Commission finds Apple guilty of violating the law, the company could face penalties of up to 10 percent of its global annual revenue, a figure that could exceed $38 billion based on Apple’s latest financial results.
Apple did not immediately respond to request for comment. The European Commission, which serves as the bloc’s chief competition authority, also declined to provide an immediate statement.
The complaint comes amid heightened regulatory pressure across Europe, where watchdogs are stepping up enforcement of the DMA and other digital market regulations.
What Happens Next
If the Commission decides to pursue the case, it could launch a formal investigation into Apple’s App Store practices. Such a move would add to the company’s ongoing disputes with EU regulators over music streaming competition, app developer fees, and iOS interoperability.
Industry experts say this case could have far-reaching consequences for how Apple structures its App Store and developer programs in Europe — potentially forcing it to open up its ecosystem to more competition and alternative app stores.
Conclusion
Apple’s latest clash with EU regulators underscores the growing tension between Big Tech and European lawmakers seeking to enforce digital fairness. As the Digital Markets Act begins to reshape the tech landscape, companies like Apple will face increasing pressure to adapt their business models or face hefty penalties.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
