The European Union is intensifying its antitrust investigation into Apple Inc.’s new fee structure for app developers.

The inquiry raises concerns about potential cost increases due to Apple’s introduction of a €0.5 (US$0.51) “core technology fee” for each app installation, aimed at complying with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).

EU regulators are assessing if the fee will lead to higher consumer costs, alter developers’ strategies, and validate Apple’s claim that it lowers overall costs.

If Apple’s actions are found non-compliant with the DMA, it could face significant changes to its App Store policies. Violations of the DMA carry fines up to 10% of a company’s global revenue.

Neither Apple nor the European Commission has commented on the probe.

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