Apple faces minimal EU fines – because of Trump?

Apple could face a fine in the EU due to alleged violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). High fines in the billions are actually possible, but according to a recent report, the punishment will likely remain symbolic. The reason for this is political tensions between the EU and the US – particularly due to the influence of US President Donald Trump. Learn what this means, what Apple is specifically accused of, and what role Trump is playing here.

If you use an iPhone, you automatically interact with the App Store. Apple controls which apps end up on your device and how. This repeatedly draws criticism, especially from developers. The EU wants to address this very issue and enable more competition through the DMA. Apple has been under scrutiny for some time now. Now things are getting serious – but completely different than expected.

Apple has to pay a fine, but not in the billions

According to a report in the Financial Times, the EU Commission plans to fine Apple next week and demand that it change its App Store rules. This isn't official yet, but the newspaper cites people familiar with the process. The surprising thing is that the penalty is significantly less severe than the DMA actually allows. Theoretically, Apple could have to pay up to ten percent of its global revenue. That would be amounts in the tens of billions. Instead, the fine will now only be "below this threshold" – comparatively low.

Change of strategy in the EU Commission

One reason for this is a change at the top of the EU competition authority in December. Since then, there has apparently been a shift in strategy: Instead of exerting public pressure with maximum fines, the focus is on the concrete enforcement of the DMA. Enforcement of rules now takes priority over big headlines. This means that Apple will be prosecuted, but above all, it is intended to be forced to adapt its App Store rules. The penalty itself plays a more symbolic role (via Financial Times).

Trump as a political risk factor

Another crucial point is the political situation. According to the Financial Times, the EU wants to avoid further escalation with US President Donald Trump. Trump has publicly protested EU investigations into American tech companies such as Apple and Meta on several occasions in the past. Trump sees the EU fines as a kind of unfair tax on US companies. In a directive last month, his administration even threatened tariffs against Europe in response to possible fines. Fears of trade conflicts therefore appear to be influencing the EU's decision.

Tim Cook and Trump – close contacts

The Financial Times report also states that Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly complained to Trump personally – among other things, about the EU's treatment of his company. Cook had already contacted him during Trump's first term and also donated one million dollars to his inauguration fund. This connection between Cook and Trump is cited in the report as another reason why the EU is currently acting more cautiously. They do not want to risk further escalating the transatlantic climate.

EU reaction – denial, but no clarity

It's also interesting that the EU officially denies being influenced by the Trump administration. The Commission responded to an earlier report that the EU had reviewed its investigations into technology companies because of Trump's election with a denial. It stated that there was no special treatment, only regular meetings on the status of the proceedings. Whether this is truly the case remains to be seen. The fact is: The decision on the Apple fine is scheduled to be presented to the 27 EU member states this week and published next week. Then it will become official.

Apple vs. EU: Why iPhone users are now at a disadvantage

Apple escapes harsh punishment – thanks to Trump?

Apple is under pressure in the EU, but the fine is lenient. This is due to the competition authority's change of strategy and the political situation with Donald Trump. Although the DMA allows for high fines, Apple will likely face a manageable amount – at least for now. (Photo by N-trash / Bigstockphoto)