Apple accuses Europe of 'delay tactics' following alternative app store collapse

"Apple Slams EU Over 'Delays and Distractions' as Third-Party App Store Collapse Sparks Probe"

In a statement issued ahead of an upcoming European Commission (EC) probe into the shutdown of a third-party app store, Apple has accused the EU regulatory body of using "political delay tactics" to justify its investigation. The tech giant claims that the EC is misusing the issue as an excuse to target Apple with burdensome investigations and fines.

The probe follows the collapse of Setapp, a fledgling app store that was shut down by developer MacPaw due to what it described as "still-evolving and complex business terms" imposed by Apple. The European Commission has been investigating Apples' compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires the company to allow third-party marketplaces for apps once the DMA took effect in 2024.

However, Apple has implemented certain rules for these third-party stores, including a fee of โ‚ฌ0.50 per installation if the number of downloads exceeds one million. The EC had previously levied a $500 million fine on Apple over its compliance with the DMA, but the company agreed to change its pricing model in June last year.

Despite this concession, the European Commission has refused to allow Apple's new pricing structure to be implemented. Instead, the EC claims that Apple has yet to address key issues regarding business terms, including their complexity. In response, Apple accused the EC of using "delay tactics" to mislead the public and unfairly target an American company.

However, an EU spokesperson told Engadget that the Commission is committed to working with Apple to find a DMA-compliant solution. The spokesperson stated that the Commission has been in regular contact with Apple and other developers to achieve full compliance with the DMA.
 
Ugh ๐Ÿคฏ, can we talk about how frustrating this whole situation is? ๐Ÿ™„ I mean, come on, EU, you're supposed to regulate these things for a reason, not just delay and drag it out like this ๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ. And Apple's all defensive now, saying they're being unfairly targeted ๐Ÿ‘Ž. But honestly, can't they just get their act together and make some changes already? ๐Ÿ’ช It feels like everyone's just playing catch-up at this point ๐Ÿ˜ฉ. And what about the poor developers who are getting caught in the middle of all this? ๐Ÿค I'm just waiting for the probe to finish so we can all have a good laugh at how this whole thing went down ๐Ÿ˜‚.
 
I'm so fed up with this ๐Ÿคฏ, can't these EU people just chill?! I mean, what's the big deal about Apple having some rules for their app stores? It's not like they're forcing everyone to use only their own apps! ๐Ÿ™„ And now they're accusing each other of using "delay tactics"? That sounds like some fancy way of saying "he said she said" ๐Ÿ˜’. I don't get why the EU is so keen on getting rid of these third-party app stores, can't they just let developers run their own businesses? ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ And what's up with this โ‚ฌ0.50 per installation fee? Sounds like a pretty small price to pay for being able to sell your app in Europe ๐Ÿค‘. I'm not exactly thrilled about the prospect of Apple getting fined another $500 million, but at least they're trying to make it work ๐Ÿ˜. Can't we just resolve these issues and move on? โฑ๏ธ
 
Ugh, I'm so over these endless debates about app stores ๐Ÿ™„! Like, can't we just have a straightforward pricing model? ๐Ÿค‘ Apple's โ‚ฌ0.50 per installation fee is already kinda reasonable, but of course, the EU has to go and make it more complicated with all these "business terms" ๐Ÿค”. I mean, who even understands what that means? ๐Ÿ˜‚ And now they're saying Apple is being "misleading" just because they don't want to shell out millions in fines? ๐Ÿค‘ Like, come on! The EC needs to get a grip and stop playing politics with something so simple ๐Ÿ‘€. Can we please just focus on making the app store thing work instead of all this drama ๐Ÿ’ฏ?
 
Ugh ๐Ÿคฏ I just don't get why Apple is being so dramatic about this ๐Ÿ™„. They're basically saying the EU is trying to shut them down, but honestly it sounds like they're just having a meltdown because someone's asking them to follow some rules ๐Ÿ“š.

Like, I get it, they've been given a deadline to make their third-party app stores work and they're not happy about it ๐Ÿ’ธ. But come on, โ‚ฌ0.50 per installation isn't that much money ๐Ÿ’ธ. And they had a chance to change their pricing structure last year, so what's the hold up? ๐Ÿค”

The EU is just trying to make sure Apple is playing fair with all its developers and not screwing them over like MacPaw did ๐Ÿ˜’. It's not about "delay tactics" or targeting an American company, it's about doing business right ๐Ÿ’ผ.

I'm still on the fence about this whole thing ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™€๏ธ, but I think Apple needs to chill out and listen to what the EU is saying ๐Ÿ‘‚. Maybe then we can all have a more productive conversation about how to make the app store work for everyone ๐Ÿ“ˆ
 
omg u know im like soooo optimistic abt this ๐Ÿคฉ anyway, thinkin about it like dis - maybe Apples just tryna protect their own interests & make sure devs dont get taken advantage of? i mean, they cant blame the EU 4 bein thorough w/ regulatory stuff ๐Ÿ™ setapp got shut down cuz they didnt meet some pretty high standards, so Apple's basically doin what's best 4 everyone. plus, think about it - if EU can just force companies like Apples 2 make changes 4 the greater good, thats a win fer every1 ๐Ÿ˜Š
 
I'm not surprised to see Apple gettin' all bent outta shape over this EU probe ๐Ÿค”. I mean, they did agree to change their pricing model last year, but it's clear they're still not entirely on board with the Digital Markets Act ๐Ÿ’ธ. It's like they're tryin' to play hardball, hopin' the EU gives 'em a slap on the wrist instead of a full-on fine ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™€๏ธ. But at the end of the day, I think it's just gonna be another battle between these two tech giants, with the consumer end up gettin' the short end of the stick ๐Ÿ™ƒ.
 
apple's trying to play victim here ๐Ÿ™„๐Ÿ“ฑ. they're all like "oh woe is us, eu is being too harsh" but really it's just their own policies causing issues for setapp & other devs. โ‚ฌ0.50 per installation? that's not a huge fee, but i get why devs might be salty about it ๐Ÿค‘. and yeah, apple did agree to change their pricing model last year, so it seems like they're just trying to backtrack now ๐Ÿ‘€. the ec is probably trying to keep them in check, which is fair since it's their job to regulate tech giants ๐Ÿ’ช. still, it's a bit annoying that they're playing politics with this whole thing ๐Ÿค”
 
I mean, come on... Apple's trying to spin this as if they're being attacked by the EU just because they're doing what they think is best for their app store? The fact is, they did have some steep rules in place that made it hard for other devs to join the party. And now they're claiming the EU is being unfair and using "delay tactics"? It sounds like they're just trying to deflect from their own mistakes.

I remember back when I first started getting into apps on my iPhone... Setapp was one of the newer players in town, but it got shut down because Apple's terms were too much for them. That was a bummer for all the devs out there who wanted to offer alternative app stores. Now they're just saying "oh woe is us" and acting like the EU is bullying them? Give me a break.
 
idk why apple is being so aggressive here ๐Ÿค”. like, i get it, they're protecting their interests but do they have to lash out at the EU? ๐Ÿ˜’. i mean, setapp's shutdown might seem like a big deal now, but what about all those devs who are just trying to make a living creating apps? ๐Ÿคฆโ€โ™‚๏ธ. maybe the eu's probe is a bit slow, but it's still a good thing that they're keeping an eye on apple's actions.

and can we talk about these fees for a sec? โ‚ฌ0.50 per installation seems kinda steep ๐Ÿค‘. i'm all for apple making some cash, but do they really need to nickel-and-dime devs like this? ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ. it just feels like another hurdle for small businesses trying to get started.

anyway, let's hope the eu and apple can work out a solution that benefits everyone ๐Ÿคž. we don't want to see more devs getting squeezed out of the market ๐Ÿ‘‹.
 
omg you guys think Apple is being super reasonable here ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ they're basically saying the EU is just trying to pick on them, and I'm like yeah kinda they are accusing the EU of using "political delay tactics" which seems a bit fishy to me... but idk maybe I'm just seeing it from their perspective? Apple's got some legit concerns about the complexity of business terms and how it affects their app store, so maybe they're not entirely wrong ๐Ÿค”
 
I'm really curious about why the EU is being so strict about this ๐Ÿค”. I mean, don't get me wrong, as a consumer, it's great that they're looking out for us, but the way they're going about it seems kinda unfair โš–๏ธ. Like, if Apple had just agreed to their initial fine and changed their pricing model, wouldn't that have been enough? ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ Instead, they're still trying to get everything perfect, which is causing all these delays and distractions ๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ.

And I have to wonder, what's really going on here? Is Apple genuinely being obstructionist or are they just genuinely concerned about the impact of third-party app stores on their business? ๐Ÿค” It seems like a lot of back-and-forth between the two sides, with neither one giving in. What's the real reason behind all this drama? ๐Ÿค”
 
I feel like the EU is being kinda harsh on Apple over this, you know? ๐Ÿค” They're not being super unreasonable about it, but the EC is giving them a hard time. I mean, Setapp got shut down, which is pretty extreme. And now they're saying that Apple's new pricing structure isn't good enough for the DMA. That just doesn't seem fair to me. ๐Ÿ’ธ Like, what's the point of having a third-party app store if it's just gonna get shut down? ๐Ÿšซ

And I'm not even going to get started on how ridiculous โ‚ฌ0.50 per installation is. ๐Ÿค‘ It's like, come on Apple! You're already making bank off App Store sales. Can't you just make it a little easier for developers to set up shop? ๐Ÿ˜Š Maybe the EU can work with them to find a compromise or something. But so far, I'm just not seeing it happen. ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ
 
man I'm just so done with these EU delays ๐Ÿ™„๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ #DelayTacticsNeedToStop - it's like they're trying to create more drama than necessary over this third-party app store thingy ๐Ÿค”. Apple is already giving in and changing its pricing model, so what's the point of all this back-and-forth? ๐Ÿ”„ Can't we just get to the bottom of things already?! ๐Ÿ’ธ #JusticeForApple
 
I think Apple's got some nerve here ๐Ÿ™„. They're basically saying EU's all about 'delay tactics', but they're the ones who changed their pricing model like, three months ago ๐Ÿ˜’. And now they're not allowed to implement it because... well, I'm just not sure what their beef is with the โ‚ฌ0.50 per installation fee ๐Ÿค‘. It seems pretty reasonable if you ask me, and if Apple's so worried about 'delays' then maybe they should've thought of that before implementing a new policy in the first place ๐Ÿคฆโ€โ™‚๏ธ. I mean, the EU's just trying to keep things fair for all devs, not just Apple ๐Ÿ’ธ.
 
๐Ÿค” So I'm thinking, it's kinda weird how Apple is accusing the EU of using "delay tactics" when they're the ones who initially refused to change their pricing structure despite being told to do so by the EC ๐Ÿค‘ And now, just because a third-party app store collapsed, they're saying the EU is using this as an excuse to mess with them? It doesn't add up, you know?

I mean, I get that the EU wants Apple to comply with the DMA and all, but it seems like there's some back-and-forth going on here that's just gonna keep getting in the way. The fact that Setapp crashed and burned because of those "complex business terms" from Apple makes me wonder if they should've been more careful when implementing their rules ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ

It'll be interesting to see how this whole thing plays out, but I'm not sure who's really being unreasonable here... ๐Ÿค”
 
I think this is a big deal ๐Ÿค”. Like, the EU is all about regulating those giant corps right? So when it comes to third-party app stores, it's not like they're just gonna let Apple do whatever they want. But at the same time, I get why Apple is so upset - โ‚ฌ0.50 per installation? That's crazy talk! ๐Ÿ’ธ

So, imagine this: you wanna make an app and sell it on Apples store. They want 50 cents for every download that breaks a million. You're like "okay cool" but then they start making rules and changing stuff around. It's like trying to navigate a maze ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ.

The thing is, the EU doesn't want this to become a slippery slope where Apple gets away with all sorts of stuff. They want to make sure there are rules in place for everyone. But at the same time, they don't want to stifle innovation or create too much red tape ๐Ÿ“.

It's like when I'm working on a project and I need to break down these big ideas into tiny little pieces ๐Ÿ“ˆ. You gotta have some guidelines so you know what you're doing, but sometimes that can feel like there are too many rules ๐Ÿคฏ.

Anyway, this whole thing is gonna be interesting to watch...
 
I'm like "what's the big deal here? ๐Ÿค”" Apple's saying the EU is just trying to delay things, but I think they're being a bit too defensive. I mean, if Setapp can't handle some business terms from Apple, that's not exactly a great reflection on the EU's regulation either. The problem seems pretty clear - Apple needs to get its act together and be more open to third-party app stores. But do we really need to investigate this further? ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ It just feels like a classic case of big tech trying to wriggle out of responsibility.
 
Ugh, like, come on ๐Ÿ˜’... this is exactly what happens when you try to regulate tech giants ๐Ÿค–... Apple's not even wrong about this one ๐Ÿ™…โ€โ™‚๏ธ... the EU's just trying to create a problem where none exists ๐Ÿ’ธ... I mean, $500 million fine over app store fees? That's some wild stuff ๐Ÿคฏ... and now they're giving Apple an ultimatum: comply with their rules or face more investigations ๐Ÿ‘ฎโ€โ™€๏ธ... newsflash: it's not like Apple's not doing anything shady, just trying to make a buck ๐Ÿ’ธ... and what's wrong with making money from app store fees? ๐Ÿค‘... let the market decide who pays the price ๐Ÿ’ฅ
 
I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole Apples vs EU thing ๐Ÿคฏ. I mean, I get it, there are rules and regulations and stuff... but โ‚ฌ0.50 per installation seems kinda steep? Like, I'm not an app store genius or anything, but can't we just make a little more money? ๐Ÿ˜‚ On the other hand, I feel for Apple - they're being targeted by the EU and it's like, come on guys... let's work together to find a solution ๐Ÿค. But at the same time, if the EU is right about Apple's business terms being too confusing or whatever... then maybe that's something Apple needs to work on ๐Ÿ’ป.
 
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