The European Court of Justice ruled on December 2, 2025 that Dutch courts have jurisdiction over an antitrust case brought by two Dutch foundations against Apple’s App Store. The decision removes the legal barrier that had prevented the lawsuit from proceeding in the Netherlands and allows the case to move forward in Dutch courts.
The lawsuit is filed by Stichting Right to Consumer Justice and Stichting App Store Claims, which seek approximately €637 million in damages. The foundations allege that Apple’s 30 % commission on in‑app purchases and subscriptions, coupled with its control over the App Store, constitutes abuse of a dominant market position. The Dutch courts are expected to hold the merits hearing toward the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Apple has previously faced regulatory scrutiny in the EU, including a €50 million fine in the Netherlands for dating‑app practices and ongoing investigations under the Digital Markets Act. The current ruling adds to a growing list of antitrust actions against Apple’s platform, which also includes investigations in Germany, Brazil, and India. The EU Court’s decision is distinct from the U.S. Epic Games lawsuit but signals a broader trend of regulators targeting Apple’s commission structure and market power.
The outcome of this case could have a material impact on Apple’s Services segment, which accounted for roughly 24.5 % of total revenue and 39 % of gross profit in FY 2024. A fine or forced change to the commission model would reduce the high‑margin revenue that underpins Apple’s profitability. Even a modest adjustment to the commission rate could translate into hundreds of millions of euros in lost revenue, given the scale of the App Store’s transaction volume.
Beyond the financial implications, the ruling could set a precedent for similar antitrust actions across the EU, potentially forcing Apple to adopt alternative app‑store models or third‑party payment options in other member states. The decision also reinforces the EU’s commitment to enforcing the Digital Markets Act and could accelerate regulatory pressure on other large platform operators.
In summary, the EU Court’s ruling marks a significant regulatory milestone for Apple, opening the door to a substantial antitrust case that could reshape the company’s App Store business and influence the broader European technology regulatory landscape.
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