Apple tests EU by adding scare screens to apps using third-party payments

European Union App Store users are now being shown warnings in the App Store about apps that let users make payments directly to developers — despite this being a clear violation of the Digital Markets Act.Apple has already been fined $570 million for anticompetitive practices under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), although it is appealing. Now it at least appears to be asking for a further fine, because it has added warnings expressly designed to dissuade users from buying apps with alternative payment processes.It's actually in the recent US ruling that Apple was explicitly forbidden to use what are called 'scare screens'. The EU has not as yet ruled against that specific technique, although in March 2024 it was alerted to Apple's plans by rivals including Epic Games.Nonetheless, the EU has focused on Apple's alleged anticompetitive practices. In its announcement of its ruling in April 2025, the EU said that it 'ordered Apple to remove the technical and commercial restrictions on steering and to refrain from perpetuating the non-compliant conduct in the future, which includes adopting conduct with an equivalent object or effect.' Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums