The European Commission has informed Apple of its preliminary view that the company's App Store rules violate the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by hindering app developers from directing consumers to alternative channels for offers and content.

Additionally, the Commission has initiated a new non-compliance investigation against Apple concerning its new contractual requirements for third-party app developers, including the 'Core Technology Fee', to ensure compliance with the DMA.

Under the DMA, developers using Apple's App Store should be able to inform customers of cheaper purchasing options, steer them to those offers, and enable purchases without additional charges.

Apple is currently governed by three sets of business terms, including the App Store's steering rules, which the Commission believes breach the DMA.

Apple has the opportunity to defend itself by reviewing the investigation documents and responding to the Commission's preliminary findings.

The Commission has opened a new investigation into Apple's contractual terms for developers, focusing on access to new DMA-enabled features like alternative app stores and distribution channels.

The investigation will assess whether Apple's new contractual requirements comply with Article 6(4) of the DMA, particularly the necessity and proportionality criteria.

Simultaneously, the Commission will conduct preliminary steps to examine Apple's validation processes for apps and alternative app stores that can be sideloaded.