If you're a regular user of Apple's App Store, regularly finding new apps, you may have noticed a new message on it...
Indeed, for several days now, Apple has been displaying an alert message for European users, following a decision concerning the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
An "anti-steering" obligation that is costing Apple dearly
In March 2024, Apple and Meta were accused of violating the Digital Markets Regulation. It was only on April 23 that the Commission made its decision, finding that the two American companies had not complied with their anti-steering obligation.
In concrete terms, this obligation requires companies in the digital market to provide consumers with certain choices when their personal data is used. In Apple's case, it is its App Store that is directly affected, as the American firm had until now required the use of its payment system for in-app purchases.
This choice was not insignificant on Apple's part, as it allowed it to take commissions on all user purchases. But while the European Commission has imposed a choice to users, Apple seems determined to favor its own system one way or another...
An alarming message on the European App Store
While the DMA now requires Apple to no longer impose its native payment system, this does not mean that the company has said its last word. Indeed, for a few days now, some users have noticed a very worrying message on the App Store.
And while some developers have implemented an alternative payment system to avoid additional fees charged by Apple, users of these applications are informed of this through a message that some consider frightening.
In this message, accompanied by a very visible red exclamation point, it is explicitly stated that the application does not use Apple's secure and private payment system, and that personal information could be made available to the application's developers.
Towards a new standoff with the EU?
With the implementation of this message, Apple is clearly trying to dissuade developers from using payment systems other than its own. However, the company could once again alienate the European Union.
Last April, the European Commission launched the fight against "alarmism", and asked Apple to avoid all unnecessary warnings. While the EU has not yet made its final decision, this could be a new blow for Apple...
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