The European Union has closed its antitrust investigation into Apple's ebook practices without a conclusion.
The investigation, initiated in 2020 following a complaint from an unnamed party (likely Amazon), focused on Apple's requirement that ebooks be sold exclusively through in-app purchases, preventing developers from directing users to alternative purchasing options.
The EU's closure stems from the withdrawal of the original complaint. This withdrawal likely reflects the irrelevance of the specific ebook investigation in light of the broader Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Key Takeaways
- The DMA already mandates that Apple allow third-party app stores and alternative in-app purchase methods, effectively addressing the core issue of Apple's app store monopoly.
- The closure doesn't imply Apple's compliance with competition law; the EU will continue monitoring Apple's practices under the DMA.
- Apple has responded to the DMA by permitting third-party app stores, although its implementation may not fully satisfy the law's requirements.
For more information on related topics, see UK CMA Challenges Apple's Safari Dominance on iPhones, DOJ Proposes Chrome Divestiture, Android Sale in Google Search Monopoly Case, and iOS 18.2: Mail App Gets Major Redesign.