Apple is reportedly in last minute talks with European regulators as it races to avoid a new wave of fines over its App Store policies, just days before a key compliance deadline under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The tech giant is under mounting pressure to revise its controversial “anti-steering” rules which limit app developers from directing users to alternative payment methods outside Apple’s platform.

The European Commission (EC) fined Apple €500 million (A$820 million) in April for breaching the DMA, giving the company 60 days to comply. That deadline expires on 26 June.

According to Financial Times sources, Apple is expected to offer concessions that could delay further penalties while the EC assesses the proposed changes. These could include easing restrictions on external links or modifying its fee structure, though specific details remain unclear.

App store

The EC has also scrutinised Apple’s so-called ‘Core Technology Fee’ which charges developers €0.50 annually per app install after one million downloads. This fee, introduced as part of Apple’s broader response to the DMA, remains a sticking point in negotiations.

The potential consequences for Apple are significant. Should the EC determine that the company remains in violation, penalties could climb to as much as 5% of Apple’s average daily global turnover.

In a statement, the EC confirmed it is “engaging closely with Apple to discuss effective compliance,” but declined to speculate on the outcome ahead of the looming deadline.

The regulatory standoff comes as US President Donald Trump visits Europe for a NATO summit. Trump has previously blasted EU tech fines as “a form of taxation” and “overseas extortion”.

Apple is not alone in facing regulatory heat in Europe. Meta is also awaiting the EC’s judgment on whether its ad model complies with the DMA, as the EU continues tightening its grip on Big Tech.

Apple declined to comment on the ongoing discussions.