Apple loses court case over dating app payment rules

A Dutch court has upheld a ruling that Apple abused its market position by placing unfair conditions on dating app providers using its App Store.

The decision supports a 2021 finding by the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets, which had ordered Apple to make changes or face penalties.

The Rotterdam District Court said Apple was wrong to require dating app developers to use its payment system, block links to outside payment methods, and charge commissions of 30 percent, or 15 percent for smaller providers.

Apple was fined 50 million euros for failing to follow the regulator’s order. The company said it disagreed with the decision and plans to appeal.

Apple said the ruling affects the tools it built to help developers and protect user privacy and security. The case is part of broader efforts in the European Union to address competition in digital markets.