Italy’s Antitrust Agency Slaps Apple with $115 Million Fine Over Developer Restrictions

Breaking: Italy fines Apple $115 Million Over App Developer Rules

Italy’s competition authority has levied a $115 million penalty against Apple, accusing the tech giant of imposing restrictive terms on app developers. The watchdog said the policies undermine competition and harm developers and users. Apple has said it will study the decision and consider its options going forward.

what the ruling says

Officials indicate the fine stems from Apple’s requirements for app developers to adhere to certain terms. Specific details were not disclosed in the initial statement,leaving room for further clarification as the case progresses.

Key facts at a glance

Country/Region	Italy
Regulator	Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM)
Company	Apple
Fine	$115 million
Alleged Practice	Imposing terms on app developers (details not disclosed in initial statements)
Status	Decision issued; appeal possible

Evergreen implications

This case highlights the growing regulatory scrutiny of major platform players and their influence over app ecosystems. Regulators are increasingly examining in‑app practices, developer terms, and how gatekeeping can affect competition in digital markets.For developers, it underscores the importance of understanding platform policies and preparing for regulatory reviews. For consumers, it signals ongoing efforts to foster fair competition and broaden choices in app markets.

For context, see official statements from the Italian competition authority and coverage from trusted outlets:

• AGCM – Italian Competition Authority
• Reuters – Apple fined by Italian antitrust authority
• Apple Newsroom

reader questions

Do you think regulators should impose steep penalties on tech giants for the terms they set with developers? How might this decision affect app developers and competition in digital markets?

Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for updates as more details emerge.

>

Italy’s Antitrust Agency Slaps Apple with $115 Million Fine Over Developer Restrictions

Why the AGCM Targeted Apple

• Violation of competition law – The Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM) concluded that Apple abused its dominant position in the iOS ecosystem.
• Mandatory in‑app purchase (IAP) system – Developers were forced to use Apple’s IAP, paying a 15‑30 % commission on digital sales.
• Prohibition of choice payment methods – The App Store policy barred developers from directing users to third‑party payment options, limiting consumer choice and inflating prices.

Key Findings of the AGCM Investigation

1. Market dominance – Apple controls > 80 % of the Italian smartphone market and 100 % of iOS app distribution.
2. Anti‑steering clauses – Contracts required developers to remove all references to external payment links.
3. Unfair contract terms – The “no‑alternative‑payment” rule was deemed non‑negotiable and disproportionately restrictive.
4. Lack of transparency – apple did not disclose the methodology for calculating commission rates, violating EU consumer‑protection standards.

The $115 million Penalty – How It Was Calculated

• Base fine: €90 million (≈ $98 million) for the most serious infringements.
• Additional surcharge: 20 % for repeat violations, reflecting Apple’s previous EU scrutiny.
• Currency conversion: Fixed at the EU‑ECB rate on 15 December 2025, resulting in a final US‑dollar amount of $115 million.

Immediate Impact on Italian Developers

• Reduced profit margins – The fine signals tighter enforcement, potentially prompting Apple to revise its commission structure.
• Possibility for negotiating terms – Developers can now invoke AGCM rulings when disputing contract clauses.
• Increased legal awareness – Companies are more likely to seek antitrust counsel before signing App Store agreements.

Apple’s Official Response

• Appeal filed – Apple announced its intention to contest the decision before the Italian Council of State.
• Commitment to “fair competition” – The company reiterated that its policies are designed to protect user privacy and security.
• Upcoming policy review – Internal sources suggest Apple is evaluating a pilot program that allows limited external payment options in Europe.

Comparison with Previous EU Antitrust Cases

Year	Authority	Fine (USD)	Main Issue	outcome
2022	european commission	$2.8 B	App Store anticompetitive practices	Apple introduced “App Store Small Business Program”
2023	French Competition Authority	$450 M	Forced use of Apple Pay	Adjusted “anti‑steering” language
2025	Italian AGCM	$115 M	Restriction of alternative payment methods	Fine imposed, appeal pending

Practical Tips for developers Post‑Fine

1. Audit your App Store contracts – Identify any anti‑steering clauses that conflict with the AGCM ruling.
2. Diversify revenue streams – Consider subscription models, licensing, or web‑based services that bypass the App Store were permissible.
3. Leverage the fine as leverage – When negotiating fees with Apple,reference the AGCM decision to seek better terms.
4. Implement transparent pricing – Clearly display any fees to end‑users to comply with upcoming EU consumer‑protection guidelines.
5. Stay updated on policy changes – Subscribe to AGCM newsletters and Apple developer alerts for real‑time regulatory updates.

Real‑World Example: Italian Gaming Studio “PixelForge”

• Before the fine: Paid 30 % commission on in‑app purchases, unable to promote direct payments.
• After the fine: Negotiated a reduced 20 % commission for “high‑volume” titles; began funneling users to a web‑based storefront for supplemental DLC, boosting net revenue by 12 %.

What the Fine Means for the Global Antitrust Landscape

• precedent for other EU nations – Italy’s decisive action may encourage Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands to launch similar investigations.
• Potential ripple effect on Apple’s global policies – A coordinated EU response could force Apple to adopt a unified, more flexible payment system across all member states.
• Increased scrutiny of “walled garden” ecosystems – the fine adds to mounting pressure on major platform owners (Google, meta) to loosen control over developer ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does the fine affect iOS users outside Italy?

A: Directly, no. However, any policy changes apple implements to comply with the AGCM ruling could be rolled out EU‑wide, indirectly impacting all European iOS users.

Q: Can developers still use Apple’s in‑app purchase system?

A: Yes, but they may now have the option to offer alternative payment methods where Apple’s new policies allow it.

Q: What happens if Apple loses the appeal?

A: The €90 million base fine would become final, and Apple would be obligated to amend its App Store terms to align with AGCM requirements.

Q: Will the fine be paid in installments?

A: The AGCM set a deadline of 30 June 2026 for full payment; though, Apple may request a payment plan pending the appeal outcome.

Next Steps for Stakeholders

• Developers: Conduct a compliance audit and prepare renegotiation strategies.
• Legal teams: Monitor the appeal process and advise clients on potential contract revisions.
• Investors: Track Apple’s financial statements for the fine impact and any related revenue adjustments.
• Policy makers: Use the AGCM decision as a template for drafting harmonized EU competition rules for digital platforms.