Meta and Apple are close to settling two high-profile antitrust cases with the European Commission, marking a potential de-escalation in the ongoing tension between US Big Tech companies and European regulators, reported Financial Times.
According to officials cited in the report, who have been briefed on the discussions, both companies are in the final stages of reaching an agreement that would lead to changes in their business practices.
The talks come after Meta and Apple were fined a combined €700 million in April for breaching the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) — a landmark law designed to rein in the power of dominant online platforms.
Meta was fined €200 million and ordered to alter its controversial “pay or consent” model, which requires users to either accept data tracking or pay for an ad-free experience.
European officials have expressed optimism that a workable solution can soon be reached with Meta.
However, they noted that one key sticking point remains: ensuring that consumers can easily find and navigate the different options available to them within Meta’s platforms.
Apple adjusts app store rules amid regulatory pressure
Apple, meanwhile, has already taken steps to align its policies with EU regulations.
In June, the company announced plans to change its App Store rules, following an investigation into whether its existing policies unfairly prevented app developers from directing consumers to offers outside of Apple’s ecosystem.
Kyle Andeer, Apple’s chief compliance officer, said at the time, “We did what we had to do to avoid the threat of future significant fines.”
The European Commission is also in discussions with Apple over a separate investigation concerning the company’s new contractual terms for developers.
People close to the matter said that while negotiations are ongoing, no final decisions have yet been made.
Nonetheless, both sides are reportedly hopeful that the cases will be settled soon.
An agreement would allow Apple and Meta to avoid daily financial penalties, which under the DMA can reach up to 5 per cent of a company’s average daily worldwide revenue.
Broader tensions between Brussels and Washington
The potential settlements come against a backdrop of growing transatlantic tension over digital regulation.
US President Donald Trump has criticized the EU’s digital laws, warning of possible retaliation against what he described as discrimination against American companies.
Both Apple and Meta have been outspoken critics of the EU’s approach to technology regulation.
Apple recently urged Brussels to scrap parts of the DMA, arguing that the law goes “far beyond what the law requires.”
The company has also accused the European Commission of shifting expectations regarding compliance standards.
For its part, the Commission maintains that its priority is to ensure genuine competition and transparency for both users and developers.
“Compliance means that developers get a real chance and that users get a real choice, not buried under a maze of dark patterns from gatekeepers,” a spokesperson said.
While the Commission continues to collect stakeholder feedback on Apple’s changes and holds discussions with Meta over unresolved issues, officials have emphasized that “all options remain on the table”, including periodic penalty payments if either company fails to comply.
If finalized, the settlements would mark a significant step toward stabilizing relations between the EU and major US tech firms — and could set the tone for how global regulators enforce digital competition laws in the years ahead.
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