Apple set to face first ever fine under EU's Digital Markets Act: Report

Apple is set to be fined by European Union's antitrust regulators under bloc's landmark rules aimed at reining in power of Big Tech, making it first company to be sanctioned, sources with direct kwledge of matter has said.

regulators charged in June that iPhone maker had breached bloc's tech rules. charge against Apple was first by Commission under its Digital Markets Act (DMA).

fine is likely to come this month although timing could still change, sources said.

fine would add to Apple's mounting antitrust troubles, as EU regulators attempt to level playing field for smaller firms.

This comes just months after Brussels fined Apple 1.84 billion euros ($2.01 billion) in March for thwarting competition from music streaming rivals via restrictions on its App Store - Apple's first ever penalty for breaching EU rules.

Apple also faces an investigation into new fees imposed on app developers. DMA violations could result in a fine of as much as 10% of a company's global annual turver.

Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into force earlier this year, requires Apple to allow users to set default web browser of ir choice on iPads, permit alternative app stores on its operating system and allow headphones and smart pens to access iPad OS features.

Apple declined to comment. European Commission did t immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Apple also lost a long-running court battle with EU in September, resulting in company being forced to pay 13 billion euros in back taxes to Ireland.

Bloomberg first reported on Apple's imminent EU fine earlier on Tuesday.

Watchdogs are readying penalty after Apple failed to allow app developers to steer users to cheaper deals and offers outside of App Store, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with case.