The ECJ’s ruling came unexpectedly close to Apple’s announcement of its latest enhancements to the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods range. This legal blow contrasts sharply with the company’s attempt to capture consumer interest with its upgraded technology offerings.

The conflict began in 2014 when the European Commission initiated an inquiry into Apple’s tax arrangements in Ireland, where its European operations are based. In 2016, the Commission concluded that Apple had benefited from illegal tax breaks that significantly reduced its taxable profits over two decades. However, Apple contested this decision, arguing that it complied with international tax laws and that its profits were already taxed in the United States.

Initially, Apple found favor in the EU General Court, which in 2020 annulled the Commission’s order. The court argued that the Commission had not adequately demonstrated that Ireland had provided Apple with favorable tax treatment. Nevertheless, this was overturned on appeal, with the ECJ ruling in favor of the European Commission’s original findings.

This tax ruling is part of a broader crackdown by the EU on what it perceives as unfair practices by tech giants, including issues related to antitrust, data protection, and taxation. Earlier this year, Apple was also fined 1.8 billion euros for monopolistic practices related to music streaming apps. Moreover, the EU’s Digital Markets Act has prompted significant changes in how tech companies operate within Europe, impacting giants like Apple, Alphabet, and Meta.

Google Investigates Gmail Outage

Google acknowledged the disruption on its Workspace status dashboard, stating that it had received “reports of an issue with Gmail.” Despite this acknowledgment, the tech giant has yet to release detailed information about the cause or extent of the outage. Google has assured users that it will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.

Widespread Impact

According to Downdetector, a website that monitors online service outages, users are experiencing a variety of problems with Gmail. These issues include difficulties with server connections and the ability to send and receive emails. However, the exact number of users affected by the Gmail outage remains unclear at this time.

User Frustration Mounts

As the outage continues, frustration is mounting among Gmail users who rely on the service for personal and professional communication. Many have taken to social media to express their concerns and seek updates from Google.

Awaiting Google’s Response

LocalEurope.News has reached out to Google for comment regarding the Gmail outage but has not yet received a response. Users are advised to monitor the Workspace status dashboard for the latest updates and information on the resolution of the issue.