Apple likely to avoid EU fine over web browser choice screen

Apple will probably avoid a fine imposed by the EU over the web browser choice on iPhones. According to a Reuters report, the European Commission will soon shut down its year-long investigation into the Cupertino tech giant’s default browser choice screen. It’s worth mentioning that the EU could have fined Apple as high as 10% of its revenue globally.

Apple has avoided the EU browser choice fine by complying with DMA rules

As per the report, Apple is going to stave off the possible EU fine over its browser options on iPhones after adhering to the Digital Markets Act rules. For those unaware, the European Commission launched a non-compliance investigation in March last year under the DMA. The body alleged that Apple’s design of the browser choice screen could be preventing consumers from exercising their choice of alternative browsers.

In the iOS 17.4 update, Apple presented a new choice screen to EU users who opened Safari for the first time. It allows them to go for a new default browser from a list of popular options in their region.

However, popular browser makers were still not happy with the new design. Also, Safari remained the default browser for any user who didn’t go through the choice screen, and the EU therefore ruled that the company’s own browser still had an unfair advantage.

The EU could have fined Apple up to 10% of its total worldwide revenue for not abiding by its DMA requirements. EU fines can also be as high as 20% in case of repeated infringement.

The EU wants Apple to open up iOS even more

Last week, the EU announced that it wants Apple to open up its iOS ecosystem even more to other companies and app makers. It released the guidelines regarding which iOS features could be available to other smartwatches, headphones, speakers, and more. One of the standouts is providing access to iOS notifications to third-party manufacturers. This would allow third-party smartwatches to interact with iOS notifications in a manner currently only limited to Apple Watch devices.

Apple has already heavily criticized the EU’s new requirements. The company believes them to be bad for its products and its European users. Apple also argued that the mandated changes would complicate its operations and compromise the user experience.

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