Apple CEO Tim Cook Meets EU Antitrust Chief to Discuss App Store Rules

Apple Inc. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook met with European Union antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager on Thursday to discuss the bloc’s proposed rules for digital platforms and the ongoing investigations into Apple’s App Store practices.

The meeting, which took place at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, focused on some aspects of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a draft legislation that aims to curb the power of large online gatekeepers such as Apple, Google, Amazon and Facebook.

According to a tweet by Vestager, one of the topics they discussed was Apple’s obligation to allow the distribution of apps outside the App Store, a requirement that the company has resisted, citing security and privacy concerns.

They also talked about the ongoing EU competition cases involving Apple, such as the one triggered by a complaint from Spotify Technology SA, which accused the iPhone maker of abusing its dominant position and imposing unfair rules on music streaming services.

The meeting comes as the EU is preparing to make a decision on the Spotify case early next year, which could result in a hefty fine and an order to change its business practices. The commission has also opened another investigation into Apple’s mobile payment service, Apple Pay, over allegations that it restricts access to the near-field communication (NFC) technology on iPhones.

The DMA, which is still under negotiation among EU institutions, could also impose new obligations on Apple, such as ensuring interoperability with rival platforms, allowing users to uninstall pre-installed apps, and providing access to data and information to regulators and competitors.

Vestager’s visit to the U.S. also included meetings with other tech executives, such as Alphabet Inc. and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Qualcomm Inc. CEO Cristiano Amon, and Intel Corp. CEO Pat Gelsinger. She said she had constructive and open discussions with them on various issues related to digital regulation and competition policy.