The fine is almost four times higher than was expected, as the European Commission aims to show it will take stringent action against tech companies that abuse their dominant positions in the online services market.

In particular, the Commission found that Apple applied restrictions on app developers preventing them from informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services available outside of the app – anti-steering provisions. This is illegal under EU antitrust rules.

Margrethe Vestager, executive vice-president in charge of competition policy said: “For a decade, Apple abused its dominant position in the market for the distribution of music streaming apps through the App Store.

“They did so by restricting developers from informing consumers about alternative, cheaper music services available outside of the Apple ecosystem. This is illegal under EU antitrust rules, so today we have fined Apple over €1.8 billion.”