By Foo Yun Chee
(Reuters) -Apple will be fined by European Union antitrust regulators under the bloc's landmark rules aimed at reining in the power of big tech companies, making it the first company to be sanctioned, sources said on Tuesday. with direct knowledge of the matter. .
Regulators in June accused the iPhone maker of violating the bloc's technology rules. The charge against Apple (NASDAQ:) was the Commission's first under its Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The fine is likely to come this month, although the timing could still change, sources said.
The fine would add to Apple's growing antitrust woes as EU regulators try to level the playing field for smaller companies.
This comes just months after Brussels fined Apple 1.84 billion euros ($2.01 billion) in March for thwarting competition from its music streaming rivals through restrictions on its App Store, Apple's first sanction for violating EU standards.
Apple is also facing an investigation into new fees imposed on app developers. Violations of the DMA could result in a fine of up to 10% of a company's global annual turnover.
The Digital Markets Act (DMA), which went into effect earlier this year, requires Apple to allow users to set the default web browser of their choice on iPads, allow alternative app stores in its operating system, and allow headphones and smart pens access iPad. Features of the operating system.
Apple declined to comment. The European Commission did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Apple also lost a lengthy court battle with the EU in September, forcing the company to pay €13 billion in back taxes to Ireland.
Bloomberg first reported on the impending EU fine on Apple on Tuesday.
Regulators are preparing the sanction after Apple did not allow app developers to direct users to cheaper deals and offers outside the App Store, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the case.
(1 dollar = 0.9153 euros)
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