Apple Accuses EU of 'Political Delay Tactics' to Justify App Store Fines

Apple has accused the European Commission of deliberately stalling the implementation of new App Store policies to create the conditions for fines. The company claims regulators are using "political delay tactics" to prevent it from rolling out changes that were specifically requested to comply with the Digital Markets Act.



The statement serves as a preemptive strike against reports that the Commission intends to blame Apple for the upcoming shutdown of Setapp. The third-party marketplace, operated by MacPaw, announced it would close next month, citing complex and evolving business terms that no longer fit its model. While regulators are reportedly preparing to cite this closure as evidence that Apple has failed to address issues with its business terms, Apple argues the delay lies entirely with the Commission.


At the center of the dispute is the fee structure for alternative app marketplaces. Currently, third-party stores on iOS are subject to a Core Technology Fee of €0.50 for every installation over one million. Apple had proposed shifting to a 5 percent revenue share model last year, a structure considered more economically viable for developers operating alternative stores. However, Apple says it has not been able to activate this pricing because European officials have not signed off on it.

In a statement to Bloomberg, Apple said it submitted a formal compliance plan in October but has yet to receive a response. "The European Commission has refused to let us implement the very changes that they requested," the company stated. "The EC is using political delay tactics to mislead the public, move the goal posts, and unfairly target an American company with burdensome investigations and onerous fines."

This escalation follows a contentious year between Cupertino and Brussels. In October, Apple launched a legal challenge against the EU, arguing the DMA imposes "hugely onerous" burdens that ignore intellectual property rights. Regulators previously fired back, accusing the company of contesting the law at every step. While there were reports late last year that the two sides were nearing a settlement to resolve ongoing antitrust investigations, the rhetoric has clearly sharpened again.

The dispute also plays into broader transatlantic tensions. The U.S. Trade Representative recently threatened retaliatory measures against the EU, citing discriminatory treatment of American tech firms. Despite the friction and the pending closure of Setapp, other marketplaces like the Epic Games Store and AltStore continue to operate on iOS in the region.