Date:
March 25, 2025
Apple escapes EU penalty over browser defaults after making quiet changes to align with Europe’s strict Digital Markets Act rules.
Looks like Apple is about to avoid a major bullet in Europe. The tech giant is reportedly off the hook (at least for now) in an antitrust investigation over how it presents browser options on iPhone.
According to a Reuters report citing sources familiar with the matter, the European Commission is expected to close its investigation into Apple’s browser choice practices as early as next week. The EU cracked down on Apple, stating that the company made it unnecessarily difficult for users to switch away from its native Safari browser, potentially violating Europe’s tough new Digital Markets Act (DMA).
What Was the Issue?
The DMA is designed to rein in Big Tech and force more fairness and competition in the digital marketplace. One big requirement? Users should be able to easily choose and change their default apps—browsers included.
The Commission had concerns that Apple wasn’t making it easy enough for users to select third-party browsers like Chrome or Firefox over Safari. If Apple had been found in breach of the rules, it could have faced fines up to 10% of its global annual revenue.
So, What Changed?
Apple reportedly made behind-the-scenes changes to comply with the DMA, which may have convinced EU regulators to drop the case without issuing a fine.
The timing is interesting. While Apple might get a pass here, it’s still facing other regulatory heat in Europe. Another investigation is ongoing into whether the company limits how app developers can tell users about cheaper offers outside of Apple’s App Store. And fines tied to that could still be on the horizon.
The Commission is also gearing up to slap Meta with a fine next week over separate violations, sources told Reuters.
If this browser case does close without a financial penalty, it gives Apple some breathing room. But it’s far from a clean break. The EU is clearly watching (and willing to act) if companies don’t play by the new rulebook.
