Apple is likely to avoid a fine from the European Union over the default browser selection window on the iPhone, as the Cupertino company has made the necessary changes to comply with basic EU rules, Reuters reports.
According to sources directly familiar with the matter, the European Commission will close its investigation, which began in March 2024, early next week.
The investigation aimed to determine whether major tech giants, including Google and Meta, were violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA). In Apple's case, it looked at, among other things, the design of the browser selection screen on the iPhone, which could prevent users from switching to alternative browsers or search engines.
The EU's decision comes amid strained relations with US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose tariffs on countries that impose heavy fines on US companies. Companies that violate the DMA risk fines of up to 10% of their annual revenue.
As a reminder, with the release of iOS 17.4, Apple allowed users to change their default browser to Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and others. This yielded results and the share of third-party browsers increased, but the EU conducted an additional investigation to make sure the company was doing everything it was required to do.
The Cupertino company is currently part of an antitrust investigation launched in the UK, along with Google, into whether they are blocking competitors' products. At the same time, an investigation by an independent group has found that both companies are stifling innovation in browsers.
As a reminder, the European Union previously forced Apple to open up notifications and many other iOS systems to third-party accessory manufacturers, such as wireless headphones or smartwatches.