Apple files lawsuit to overturn EU's €1.8 billion antitrust fine over App Store rules

According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple (AAPL.US) is appealing the €1.8 billion (US$1.9 billion) fine imposed by the European Commission on its App Store rules related to music streaming providers, including Spotify (SPOT.US). The sources stated that the US tech giant has filed a lawsuit with the General Court of the European Union to overturn the fine decision made by the EU regulatory body in March. Reports indicate that the European Commission is prepared to defend all its decisions in court. In March, the European Commission stated that Apple's App Store rules for music streaming providers, especially Spotify, were considered "abusive." Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, stated, "For over a decade, Apple has restricted music streaming app developers from informing consumers about cheaper options outside of the app." In response, Apple criticized this decision in a statement. Subsequently, Apple announced some measures to make it easier for music streaming apps on the App Store in the European Economic Area to inform people about other ways to purchase digital services. The investigation began about five years ago after Spotify filed a complaint, claiming that it was forced to raise monthly subscription prices to offset costs related to Apple's alleged control over the operation of the App Store. Earlier this month, Digital Music Europe, representing companies like Spotify and Deezer, submitted a letter to EU regulators, stating that Apple's proposed compliance with the March order did not provide specific and effective remedies. Apple's appeal marks another legal battle with EU regulators. Previously, the European Commission imposed a €13 billion tax penalty on Apple for Irish state aid issues. As Apple won in the early rounds, the final outcome remains uncertain