The EU has taken the first steps towards a formal investigation into Apple, over a decision to cut off access to some applications that bypass its app store as Brussels steps up scrutiny over the iPhone-maker’s business.
The bloc’s competition regulators sent questions to developers last week seeking to determine the impact of Apple’s decision to disable so-called “progressive web apps” in the EU, in a move seen as a precursor towards an in-depth probe.
Apple has said that, from next month, it will disable access to the web apps in the EU. The feature allows companies to create apps that can be accessed as a webpage, with a button that appears on a mobile user’s home screen.