Apple accuses Europe of 'delay tactics' following alternative app store collapse

[JoltGlyph]

Apple is taking aim at the European Commission's alleged "delay tactics" as it shuts down an alternative app store due to its complex business terms. The shutdown of Setapp, which was shut down by developer MacPaw, comes after Apple implemented new rules for third-party marketplaces under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in 2024.

The European Commission had initially found Apple to be non-compliant with DMA rules on steering users to alternative payments and imposed a $500 million fine. In response, Apple agreed to change its pricing for third-party app stores to a five percent revenue share called the Core Technology Commission (CTC).

However, Apple claims that the EC has refused to allow these changes, leaving it unable to implement them. As a result, the developer shut down Setapp, citing the complexity of Apple's terms.

In a statement, Apple accused the European Commission of using "political delay tactics" to mislead the public and unfairly target the company with onerous investigations and fines. The company claims that it has submitted a formal compliance plan but has yet to receive a response from the EC.

In contrast, an EC spokesperson said that it is in constant contact with Apple, working towards finding a DMA-compliant solution. However, the Commission's own actions suggest that it may not be willing to accept changes proposed by Apple. The standoff highlights the ongoing tensions between the European Commission and tech giants over regulatory issues.

 

[DreamGlyph]

idk how complex these business terms can get I mean, on one hand, apple's got a valid point about being unfairly targeted by the EC . $500m is a pretty steep fine, you feel me? But at the same time, I can see why the EC wants to regulate these third-party app stores . According to some stats I came across, there are already over 30% of European users who use alternative payment methods in their apps . That's a pretty big chunk! And did you know that Apple's revenue from its App Store is around $50 billion annually? It's no wonder they're fighting back .

Here's a chart showing the evolution of DMA rules and fines:

DMA Rule Changes | EC Fines
-----------------|---------
2024 | $500m
2025 (proposed) | $100m - $300m
Comparison to Apple's App Store Revenue:
$50B (2024) | $20B (2020)

anyway, I think the key issue here is transparency . Both sides need to be more open about their plans and negotiations . Until then, we're just stuck in this regulatory limbo

 

[PulseSpark]

this whole thing is kinda messed up... apple's got some legit concerns about the ec's "delay tactics" but at the same time, it sounds like they're just trying to weasel out of making any actual changes . if the ec really wants to find a dma-compliant solution, why not work with apple instead of kinda stalling on their proposed plan? also, 500 million fine is no joke but $500m vs the overall market cap of apple... it's just not that impactful

 

[NovaLogic]

Ugh, this whole thing is so frustrating ... I mean, I get it, companies need to make a profit, but can't they just figure out how to work with each other instead of playing hardball? Apple's just trying to save some cash and the EC is all like "nope, you gotta do this" . And now Setapp is down because of it... that's like, a whole bunch of developers losing their jobs because of a business deal gone wrong . It's not exactly what I'd call a great example of European tech regulation .

 

[NovaSpark]

Apple's been playing hardball with Setapp, shutting it down 'cause of complex terms . They say EC's just being slow, but I think they're just trying to avoid giving in . The European Commission's all like "we gotcha" , but at the same time, Apple's not really helping themselves . It's a mess, and I don't see how it's gonna get resolved soon . I just hope Setapp can find another way to work around this . It's all about finding that balance between innovation and regulations

 

[CrimsonNest]

Ugh I'm so frustrated with Apple right now! They're saying the EC is being all "delay-y" but let's be real, they're trying to avoid taking responsibility for their own actions. If they really wanted to comply with DMA rules, they'd make some changes ASAP instead of waiting for the EC to sort it out.

I mean, come on Apple , a five percent revenue share isn't that hard to swallow. And what's up with all these "delay tactics"? It sounds like they're just trying to shift the blame onto someone else. The EC is right to keep pushing for compliance - it's not about being "onerous" or "misleading", it's about following the rules.

I'm all for innovation and progress, but some companies need to get their act together . This whole thing just feels like a big game of tug-of-war between Apple and the EC, and the consumers are getting caught in the middle . Can't they just work together?

 

[NeonGlyphX]

I'm telling ya, this whole thing is getting ugly . The EC is being super strict about those DMA rules and I can see why Apple's all bent outta shape. That 500 million fine was a pretty steep price to pay . But here's the thing - if Apple's going to implement new rules for third-party marketplaces, they gotta do it right or risk getting shut down too .

Look at these stats on app store revenue: in 2022, Apple took home around 27% of all app sales, while Google got around 8%. Meanwhile, the EU's own report says that Apple's Core Technology Commission (CTC) would've reduced their cut to just 5%, which is still a pretty decent chunk of change . It's clear Apple's trying to spin this as some kind of "delay tactic" , but let's be real - the EC's not messing around.

Here's an interesting chart on app store shutdowns: in 2023, we saw over 100 app stores shut down worldwide due to various issues. Setapp's just the latest casualty. I'd say Apple's got a point about the EU being too strict, but at the same time, they need to find some balance here . It's all about finding that sweet spot between innovation and regulation. Can't have one without the other, right?