The European Commission fined Apple €500 million in April for blocking developers from steering users to alternative payment methods. Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple and Meta faced further multi-million-euro fines if they failed to comply by June 26. However, the Commission confirmed that it will not automatically enforce new penalties after the deadline passes .
Commission’s New Approach
Instead of triggering fines immediately, EU officials will first conduct a preliminary compliance review. A spokesperson told EuroNews that the Commission “will share its findings” with both companies before any sanctions take effect . This move gives Apple and Meta time to adjust their App Store and platform policies, ensuring that any subsequent penalties reflect actual enforcement gaps rather than procedural timing.
Meta Also Off the Hook… for Now
Similarly, Meta escaped its own €200 million fine. Regulators had accused the social-media giant of forcing users to choose between targeted ads or paid subscriptions. Yet, like Apple, Meta benefits from the compliance review process. Consequently, both tech leaders can defer immediate financial risk even if they miss the DMA deadline .
Balancing Enforcement and Dialogue
EU regulators face pressure to uphold the DMA while maintaining dialogue with major platforms. Previously, U.S. officials threatened retaliation, prompting the European Commission to grant a grace period. Now, the focus shifts to substantive policy changes rather than ticking a calendar box. Therefore, this pause aims to encourage meaningful compliance rather than penalize companies that promise reforms.
What Comes Next
Looking ahead, the Commission will issue a detailed report on each company’s anti-steering measures. If Apple or Meta falls short, regulators can then impose fines at up to 10 percent of annual turnover. Meanwhile, developers await clarity on new App Store rules, hoping that the extended timeline will yield fairer payment options and clearer guidance.
