App Store & antitrust pressure — multi-front
Key Questions
How much does Apple pay Google for search default status?
Unsealed documents show Apple pays Google $20 billion annually. This arrangement is central to ongoing antitrust scrutiny.
What new EU investigation targets Apple under DMA?
The EU has opened a probe into iOS interoperability issues. It adds to existing DMA enforcement actions against Apple.
What is the status of the UK iCloud class action?
A £3 billion suit is advancing, with a £899 million price-fixing case rejected by Apple as flawed. Hearings continue into 2028.
Why is Texas enforcing app store age verification?
The Supreme Court allowed the law to take effect after bipartisan state AG support. It requires age checks for app store access by minors.
What regulatory actions are happening in India against Apple?
Apple restarted card payments after a hiatus while challenging CCI antitrust findings as copied. A $38 billion fine threat remains active.
How does the new EU Product Liability Directive affect Apple?
Starting December 2026, software vulnerabilities will be treated as defects with shifted proof burdens. This increases legal risks for Apple's security practices.
What fine has Russia threatened Apple with?
Russia's FAS warned of a $52 million penalty if Apple fails to change default search and reinstate removed apps by July 15. Compliance is required for continued operations.
What is the impact of the California Antitrust Bill on Apple?
AB 1776 cleared a key committee with bipartisan support, targeting app store practices. It places both Apple and Google at regulatory risk if passed.
Unsealed docs show Apple pays Google $20B/year for search default. EU opens new DMA interoperability probe. Italy probes iCloud. FTC lawsuit reveals $700M subscription scam. Microsoft quantifies WebKit performance tax at 28.6%. Apple allows alternative stores in Brazil under CADE deal; Epic and Coalition for App Fairness criticize. New £3 billion UK iCloud class action moves ahead; UK mass antitrust suit set for 2028. 48 Chinese developers file antitrust complaint. French top court upholds €1.1B cartel fine. Google lowers Play Store fees under Apple pressure. Russia's FAS warns Apple of $52M fine for non-compliance. Apple loses bid to dismiss £785M UK class action; India $38B antitrust probe advances. DOJ's 90% settlement rate suggests Apple antitrust case may end with mandated concessions. U.S. Supreme Court to hear Apple's contempt appeal in Epic Games case. Apple challenges India CCI findings, claiming copied arguments; $38B global turnover fine threat. UK CMA opens consultation on steering and NFC access. Australia parliamentary committee calls Apple Pay 'deeply anticompetitive' — urges ACCC probe. Another Safari privacy class action filed over canvas fingerprinting. Korea National Assembly uniting against Apple fee discrimination. Russia FAS warns Apple to change default search and reinstate removed apps by July 15. California Antitrust Bill AB 1776 clears Senate committee 9-2. Apple rejects £899M UK price-fixing class action at CAT hearing. Texas App Store Accountability Act gains bipartisan backing from 27 state AGs; now Supreme Court allows it to take effect — major regulatory win for state-level app store regulation, now enforced. Italy's AGCM opens formal DMA investigation into iCloud backup blocking. UK CMA opens consultation on steering and NFC access, adding to cumulative global regulatory pressure. Australia parliamentary committee calls Apple Pay 'deeply anticompetitive' — urges ACCC probe. Apple restarts card payments for App Store and iCloud in India, while challenging CCI findings as 'copy-paste' regulation — escalation in India antitrust battle. NEW: EU Product Liability Directive rewrite starting Dec 2026 makes software vulnerabilities legally defective, shifting burden of proof — major regulatory risk for Apple's software quality and security practices.