European regulators have launched another antitrust review of Apple’s App Store practices, turning fresh attention to whether the company is following the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. The inquiry adds to growing pressure on major platform companies that Brussels says must open their services to more competition.

The new scrutiny centers on App Store rules that may limit developers’ ability to steer users to cheaper payment options or alternative services outside Apple’s ecosystem. Under the DMA, so-called gatekeeper firms face stricter obligations intended to curb self-preferencing and give consumers and developers more choice.

Apple has repeatedly defended its App Store policies as necessary for security, privacy, and user trust. But EU officials have signaled that those arguments do not exempt the company from rules designed to prevent dominant platforms from blocking rivals or imposing unfair terms on app makers.

The investigation could result in further demands for changes, and potentially fines, if regulators conclude Apple is falling short of the bloc’s competition standards. The case is part of a broader effort by the EU to rein in the power of the world’s biggest tech companies and enforce the new digital rulebook.

Competition

EU opens new antitrust probe into Apple’s App Store rules