Apple has been accused of violating antitrust laws by various regulatory bodies around the world. In the EU, there was a suspicion that e-books violated antitrust laws, and an investigation was being conducted, but it was announced that this investigation had ended.
Daily News 22/11/2024
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/mex_24_6024
Apple ebooks antitrust investigation closed; had become irrelevant
https://9to5mac.com/2024/11/22/apple-ebooks-antitrust-investigation-closed-likely-because-it-was-irrelevant/
In June 2020, the European Commission (EC), the EU’s executive agency, stated that Apple “restricts the sale of content (e-books and audiobooks) to in-app purchases only” in its e-book and audiobook apps. In the EU, thecompetition lawWe have started an investigation on suspicion of a violation. At the same time, the EC has begun investigating Apple for violating the Antimonopoly Act, alleging that it is forcing similar practices on music streaming apps.
The European Commission has launched an investigation into Apple for “App Store and Apple Pay violating antitrust laws” – GIGAZINE
In March 2024, it was concluded that the music streaming app violated antitrust laws, and the EC imposed a huge fine of 1.8 billion euros (approximately 290 billion yen) on Apple.
Apple is fined a huge 294 billion yen and ordered by the EU to change App Store rules for violating antitrust laws – GIGAZINE
Furthermore, in June 2024digital market law(DMA), the EC designated Apple as the gatekeeper regarding the App Store. In response, the EC has decided to close its investigation into the violation of antitrust laws by music streaming apps. Under the DMA, Apple is prohibited from requiring app developers to use in-app purchases and is also required to refrain from imposing financial and non-financial restrictions on the operation of their apps.
Then, on November 22, 2024 local time, the EC announced that it would end its antitrust investigation as complaints regarding Apple’s e-books and audiobooks were withdrawn. However, the EC stated that “the conclusion of the investigation does not imply a conclusion that the conduct in question complies with EU competition law. We will continue to monitor our practices,” he said, adding that the conclusion of the investigation does not mean antitrust violations have not been violated.
In addition, Apple will allow the use of third-party payment services for the first time in January 2022.
Apple finally allows the use of third-party payment methods on iOS, first in South Korea – GIGAZINE
Additionally, in January 2024, apps were allowed to include “links to billing systems other than in-app purchases.”
Apple finally allows “link insertion to external billing system” in iPhone apps, but fees will be charged – GIGAZINE
As a result, the antitrust investigation regarding Apple’s e-books focused on “limiting sales of content (e-books and audiobooks) to in-app purchases only,” and “developers charging Apple fees.” Both restrictions have been lifted, including not allowing users to be told where they can sell e-books or audiobooks without paying.
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