Apple Accuses Europe of 'Delay Tactics' in App Store Battle

A high-stakes regulatory battle has escalated between Apple and the European Commission following the shutdown of a third-party app store. The tech giant has issued a preemptive statement accusing the EU of using "political delay tactics" to unfairly target the American company.

The conflict stems from the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which forced Apple to open its ecosystem to alternative marketplaces. However, complex fee structures and business terms have led to the collapse of one such platform, reigniting tensions between the two parties.

The immediate catalyst for Apple's statement was the shutdown of Setapp, a fledgling alternative app store developed by MacPaw. The developer cited Apple's "still-evolving and complex business terms" as the primary reason for discontinuing the service, stating that the terms "don't fit Setapp's current business model."

This closure has reportedly prompted the European Commission to prepare a ruling that Apple has failed to address key issues regarding the complexity of its business terms. In response, Apple has pushed back against the narrative that its policies are solely to blame.

The European Commission has refused to let us implement the very changes that they requested.

The dispute is rooted in the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which took effect in 2024 and required Apple to allow third-party app marketplaces. Initially, Apple implemented a fee of €0.50 per installation for downloads exceeding one million, alongside other strict rules.

In April 2025, the European Commission found Apple in non-compliance with the DMA regarding "steering" rules and levied a $500 million fine. In June of that year, Apple proposed a new pricing model called the Core Technology Commission (CTC), a five percent revenue share. However, Apple asserts that the Commission has refused to allow these changes.

• April 2025: $500M fine for non-compliance
• June 2025: Apple proposes CTC model
• October 2025: Apple submits formal compliance plan

Apple's frustration is centered on the perceived lack of response from regulators. The company stated that it submitted a formal compliance plan in October and has yet to receive a reply. Apple contends that the Commission is moving the goalposts and using the situation to justify further investigations.

The company argues that the regulatory body is unfairly targeting an American enterprise with burdensome requirements. Apple's statement to Bloomberg highlighted a pattern of obstruction.

In October, we submitted a formal compliance plan and they have yet to respond. The EC is using political delay tactics to mislead the public, move the goal posts, and unfairly target an American company with burdensome investigations and onerous fines.

In response to the allegations, the European Commission emphasized its commitment to a collaborative process. Officials told Engadget that they maintain "constant" contact with Apple, with the primary objective being that gatekeepers operate in full compliance with the DMA.

The Commission stated that it is available to discuss and work with gatekeepers to achieve full compliance. They noted that they are listening to developers from all over the world while remaining committed to finding a solution that adheres to the regulations.

• Objective: Full DMA compliance for gatekeepers
• Method: Constant dialogue with Apple
• Focus: Solving pending issues and listening to developers

The standoff between Apple and the European Commission highlights the growing tension between global tech giants and regional regulators. With the Setapp store already shut down, the outcome of this dispute will likely set a precedent for how other developers navigate the new digital landscape.

As the Commission prepares its ruling on Apple's compliance, the tech industry watches closely. The resolution of this conflict will determine the future of app distribution in Europe and the extent to which regulatory bodies can enforce market changes on dominant platforms.