Word on the street is that the Commission is getting ready to levy the penalty after it found that Apple’s “anti-steering” practices harmed competition on the App Store.

This follows the EU’s €1.84 billion fine imposed on Apple in March. After investigating a complaint from Spotify, the EU Commission ruled that Apple restricted developers’ ability to point users to cheaper purchases outside the App Store in March — an illegal practice under the DMA.

We still don’t know how much the EU will fine Apple, but the DMA rules say companies can be charged up to 10 per cent of annual global revenue and up to 20 per cent for repeat offences.

Based on Apple’s revenue last year, the EU’s initial fine could amount to as much as $38 billion. The Commission may announce the fine as soon as this month before competition head Margrethe Vestager leaves office.

Apple is also being investigated over whether it’s undermining alternative app stores in the EU. In September, the EU won its fight to make Apple pay €13 billion in unpaid taxes. Apple CEO Tim Cook even called former President Donald Trump to complain about the fines his company has accrued.