European Union

Microsoft is expected to win approval for the gargantuan transaction thanks to licensing deals the company has offered to rivals

The EU has begun a six-month implementation phase of the Digital Markets Act, which will force Apple, Google, and more to make major changes to how they operate

Come late 2024, Apple — and other tech manufacturers — will be required to have USB-C ports on smartphones and most other devices

The company will let developers of non-gaming apps use alternatives to the Play Store's billing system in the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

In addition to the disruptive Digital Markets Act, the EU has also passed a new bill aimed at fighting illegal content and shady advertising practices online.

Lawmakers also updated the regulation to further reduce wholesale caps and focus on service quality and investment in emerging wireless technologies. 

Some U.S. Senators want the country to force manufacturers to adopt a common charging port — not necessarily USB-C — across all mobile devices.

Reports indicate Apple is already planning to bring USB-C to the iPhone in 2023, with USB-C versions of accessories and other devices set to follow.

The EU governments reached a provisional agreement on the Digital Markets Act earlier this week, with 43 votes in favour, one against, and one abstention.

European Union regulators will take Ireland to EU court over its failure to collect 13 billion euros ($19 billion CAD) tax bill from Apple.