The European Commission has called on Apple to stop geo-blocking practices across its digital media services, giving the technology giant one month to propose changes to comply with EU regulations.

In a coordinated investigation led by consumer authorities from Belgium, Germany and Ireland, the EU's Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network identified several potentially prohibited geo-blocking practices on Apple's digital platforms, including the App Store, Apple Arcade, Music, iTunes Store, Books and Podcasts.

The investigation found that Apple customers face significant limitations based on their country of residence. Users can only access the interface specific to the country where they registered their Apple account, and payment methods are restricted to those issued in their country of registration. Additionally, consumers are prevented from downloading apps available in other EU/EEA countries, even when travelling.

Margrethe Vestager, executive vice-president for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age, said: "Today, following a coordinated investigation at European level, the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network of national consumer authorities and the European Commission notified Apple of several potentially prohibited geo-blocking practices."

The practices potentially violate the EU's Geo-blocking Regulation, which prohibits unjustified discrimination between EU customers based on nationality or residence when purchasing goods and services from traders in different Member States. They may also breach the Services Directive, which requires that access to services cannot be discriminatory based on nationality or residence unless objectively justified.

Apple now has one month to respond to the findings and propose commitments to address the identified practices. If the company fails to adequately address these concerns, national authorities may take enforcement measures to ensure compliance.

This action follows a similar case in 2023 where Google committed to making changes to its Play Store following a CPC coordinated action, including enabling consumers to use payment methods from any EU country and improving access to different country versions of the store.

The Commission noted that alongside the Geo-blocking Regulation, Apple must also comply with the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act, which set additional requirements for designated core platform services and online intermediaries.

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