Rotterdam District Court confirms Apple abuses its dominant position, harms consumers

The interim relief judge of the District Court of Rotterdam has ruled that Apple is abusing its dominant position by imposing unreasonable conditions on app developers. In preliminary relief proceedings the judge has concluded that the ACM has rightfully obliged Apple to adjust its conditions. App developers may not be obliged to use Apple's payment system and must be able to refer to cheaper alternatives. 

The Consumer Competition Claims Foundation notes that the European consumers are the actual victims of Apple’s behaviour. The app developers pass-on Apple’s unreasonable monopolistic surcharge to consumers, and the other unreasonable conditions also directly affect consumers. Because of Apple’s unlawful acts, the consumer has less choices, and must pay excessive prices. 

Click here for the court ruling and click here for the ACM's explanation of the ruling.