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Apple Faces $500 Million Fine Over App Store Shutdown

1/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Apple accused the European Commission (EC) of employing “political delay tactics” in its investigation related to the shutdown of the third-party app store Setapp.
MacPaw attributed the shutdown to Apple's complex business terms, while the EC reportedly plans to hold Apple responsible.
Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple must permit third-party app stores and could face a $500 million fine for non-compliance.
Apple stated the EC has not responded to its compliance plan submitted in October 2023, although the EC claims it is in ongoing dialogue with Apple.

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Story summary

Apple accused the European Commission (EC) of employing “political delay tactics” in its investigation related to the shutdown of the third-party app store Setapp.
MacPaw attributed the shutdown to Apple's complex business terms, while the EC reportedly plans to hold Apple responsible.
Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple must permit third-party app stores and could face a $500 million fine for non-compliance.
Apple stated the EC has not responded to its compliance plan submitted in October 2023, although the EC claims it is in ongoing dialogue with Apple.