EU Closes Antitrust Probe into Apple's E-book and Audiobook Rules
Matilda
EU Closes Antitrust Probe into Apple's E-book and Audiobook Rules
The European Commission (EC) has recently closed a long-running antitrust investigation into Apple's App Store practices related to e-books and audiobooks. This decision came after the complainant, believed to be Rakuten Kobo, withdrew their complaint. However, it's crucial to note that the closure of this investigation does not absolve Apple of potential wrongdoing. The EC explicitly stated that the decision does not imply that Apple's conduct complies with EU competition rules. A Deeper Dive into the Issues The core issue at the heart of the investigation was Apple's requirement for app developers to use its in-app purchase system, which imposes a hefty 30% commission on digital goods and services. This practice has been a subject of intense scrutiny from regulators and developers alike, as it significantly impacts the profitability of app developers. Furthermore, Apple's strict guidelines and restrictions on external payment links and promotions have been criticized…
