Apple is challenging an EU fine of €1.84 billion for App Store restrictions

Apple has filed an appeal to Europe’s second-highest court against a 1.84 billion euro ($2 billion) fine imposed by EU antitrust authorities. The fine handed down in March accused the tech giant of hampering Spotify and other streaming competitors through restrictive App Store practices, according to the filing.

The fine imposed by the European Commission was the first imposed on Apple for violating EU antitrust rules and the third-largest penalty ever imposed for anti-competitive behavior. The Commission accused Apple of “abusing its dominant position in the market for distributing music streaming applications to iPhone and iPad users” through the App Store.

Related: Apple Fights €1.8 Billion EU Fine Over Music Streaming Competition

Central to the case was Apple’s “anti-steering” rules, which prohibited Spotify and other competitors from soliciting iOS users to subscribe to their services outside of Apple’s in-app purchases system.

Apple announced its intention to appeal the decision immediately after the fine was imposed. The company criticized the ruling, saying it was issued “despite the Commission finding no credible evidence of consumer detriment” – a basis for its legal strategy.

The appeals process is expected to be lengthy. A decision by the Luxembourg-based General Court, Europe’s second highest tribunal, could take several years. Moreover, filing a complaint with the Court of Justice of the European Union, the EU’s highest court, could extend the proceedings even further, potentially by several more years.

Source: Reuters