The Apple French antitrust fine, which France's antitrust watchdog originally imposed in 2020, has been reduced by two-thirds.
(Photo : Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
A man checks his phone in an Apple retail store in Grand Central Terminal, January 29, 2019 in New York City. Apple is set to report first-quarter earnings results after U.S. markets close on Tuesday.
When the complaint was filed, Apple was accused of anti-competitive activities toward its retail and distribution business operations.
Since the penalty originally cost $1.2 billion dollar, it was considered the biggest antitrust fine filed against the giant iPhone maker, as reported by Reuters.
But, it seems like the French court realized that the billion-dollar penalty is not reasonable.
Apple French Antitrust Fine Reduced by Two-Thirds!
According to Engadget's latest report, the billion-dollar fine has been adjusted to more than $364 million. This is quite low compared to the first penalty value.
(Photo : Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images)
The Apple logo is displayed at the Apple Store June 17, 2015 on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The company began selling the watch in stores Wednesday with their reserve and pick up service. Previously the product could only be ordered online.
Also Read: Apple to Manufacture iPhones in India, as China's Plus One? Possible Move On the Way
The French court handling the antitrust complaint against Apple said that the fine had to be reduced since it was disproportionate.
Officials added that the amount must be sufficient to ensure that the penalties are dissuasive and repressive.
On the other hand, the latest antitrust fine reduction is considered a part of the ongoing battle between France and the EU and Silicon Valley tech companies.
Although the penalty was drastically changed, it seems like Apple is not satisfied. The iPhone maker said that it plans to file another appeal so that the entire penalty will be eliminated.
"While the court correctly reversed part of the French Competition Authority's decision, we believe it should be overturned in full and plan to appeal," said the tech manufacturer.
Other Issues Faced by Apple
Aside from the ongoing French antitrust case, the giant iPhone maker is also facing another issue in Korea.
The Korean antitrust authority announced that Apple offices were raided in the City of Gangnam-gu.
This massive investigation was conducted after the tech giant developer was accused of charging some developers who got around 33% of the Apple Store cut.
If you want to learn more details about Apple's problem in Korea, you can click here.
In other stories, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 reportedly underwent a CT scan so that users would know what is inside the earphones.
Meanwhile, next-gen Apple iPhones are expected to be integrated with wireless charging features.
For more news updates about Apple and other antitrust issues it faces, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by Griffin Davis
