Why is BEUC intervening in the case against Apple's anti-steering practices?

Under the Digital Markets Act, Apple must allow app developers to steer consumers free of charge to offers outside the Apple App Store. This allows developers to potentially offer their services at lower prices and better conditions than if they went through the Apple App Store.
Apple, however, chose instead to impose fees for steered transactions while also restricting the ability of app developers to communicate offers to consumers within their apps. As a result, the Commission reached a Non-Compliance Decision, which included ordering Apple to enter into compliance and to pay a €500m fine.

Apple appealed the Commission’s Non-Compliance Decision, which has meant that the EU’s General Court will review the decision. On the basis that Apple prevented consumers from accessing potentially greater choice and lower offers illegally, BEUC applied to intervene in the court proceedings in support of the Commission. 

BEUC was approved as an intervening third party in the case (Case T-438/25) in April 2026. We intend to provide the consumer voice in showing that Apple breached the DMA and harmed consumers through its anti-steering practices.

This action should not be confused with a similar antitrust investigation on the same issue, which pre-dates the DMA.