Apple has been fined in Russia for requiring app developers to use the iPhone maker’s own payment system. According to the Russian competition watchdog, Apple is abusing its dominant market position.
Incidentally, Apple has withdrawn from Russia after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As a result, new apps can no longer be purchased in the App Store in the country, and Russian developers cannot offer their apps elsewhere. The Russian regulator says it has already established the violation.
The fine for Apple is 1.2 billion rubles. Converted, that is about 16 million euros. Apple must pay the fine within two months. The American tech group is also under fire in its own country and in Europe because of the conditions of the App Store. It concerns the mandatory use of Apple’s own payment system and the commission of up to 30 percent that Apple asks for the purchase of apps and subscriptions.
Apple also presented new MacBook Pro laptops and Mac Mini desktops on Tuesday. The new models are equipped with new versions of self-developed chips that should be faster and more economical than the previous generation. With the announcement, Apple is one step further in its intention to move away from Intel chips. After the line update, the Mac Mini is no longer available with Intel chips.
