The European Commission has published preliminary findings on Alphabet and how it could be preventing competition. The concerns relate to two issues: self-preferencing in Google Search and “steering rules” in Google Play; these issues were looked into as part of a non-compliance investigation opened in March 2024.

A spokesperson for Apple also told TechRepublic that the European Commission’s decision will “... wrap us in red tape, slowing down Apple’s ability to innovate for users in Europe.”

Apple was told how to stay in line with the bloc's landmark rules and where non-compliance could lead to an investigation and fines.