Apple will not face a fine from the European Commission after modifying its browser policies to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The company had been under investigation for restricting competition on iOS but adjusted its approach in time to satisfy regulators.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the European Commission is expected to close its investigation without issuing penalties, though the exact timeline remains unconfirmed.
Apple’s Browser Changes and Regulatory Scrutiny
The DMA requires tech companies designated as “gatekeepers” to provide users with greater choice in app stores, browsers, and payment systems. Apple’s restrictions on third-party browsers and its enforcement of WebKit as the sole browser engine on iOS were central to the investigation.
Facing potential penalties, Apple introduced new iOS browser policies to comply with DMA, allowing greater flexibility in browser selection. The company outlined its modifications in an official non-confidential compliance report, detailing its efforts to align with EU rules. Additionally, Apple has provided new developer tools and over 600 APIs to support alternative app distribution and payment options.
Apple’s Tactical Compliance
The European Commission had paused some DMA-related investigations in January 2025, citing a strategic review of enforcement. However, Apple’s browser investigation was not part of this temporary halt.
By making compliance adjustments before regulators issued penalties, Apple strategically positioned itself to avoid sanctions while retaining control over key aspects of its ecosystem.
Despite this, Apple remains under regulatory scrutiny. The European Commission is still evaluating the company’s restrictions on app developers regarding alternative payment options, which could result in further enforcement action.
Apple’s Strategic Compliance vs. Meta’s Regulatory Battles
Apple’s ability to avoid a fine contrasts with Meta’s legal struggles under the DMA. The European Commission is reportedly preparing to fine Meta up to $1 billion over its controversial “pay or consent” model, which requires users to either pay for an ad-free experience or consent to extensive data tracking.
The EU has argued that this approach limits consumer choice and violates DMA principles.
While Apple has opted for incremental compliance, Meta has taken an adversarial approach, challenging previous fines in court. The contrast between the two companies highlights the European Commission’s selective enforcement strategy and the varying responses of tech giants to regulatory pressure.
EU Tech Crackdown Sparks U.S. Backlash
The European Commission’s strict enforcement of the DMA has led to tensions with the U.S. government. President Trump called EU fines ‘overseas extortion’ against American companies. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also condemned EU regulators, accusing them of unfairly targeting U.S. firms.
Apple, however, has avoided direct political clashes by taking a more measured compliance approach. While the company is not entirely free from regulatory risk, its ability to sidestep financial penalties—unlike Meta—shows that strategic adjustments can reduce regulatory exposure under the DMA.
