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Apple is poised to be fined by the European Union's antitrust regulators under the bloc's landmark Digital Markets Act (DMA), making it the first company to be sanctioned under these new rules, according to Reuter’s sources with direct knowledge of the matter. 

The charge against Apple was first brought in June, accusing the iPhone maker of breaching the bloc's tech rules.

This impending fine comes just months after Brussels fined Apple 1.84 billion euros ($2.01 billion) in March for thwarting competition from music streaming rivals via restrictions on its App Store. 

The DMA, which came into force earlier this year, requires Apple to allow users to set the default web browser of their choice on iPads, permit alternative app stores on its operating system, and allow headphones and smart pens to access iPad OS features 2.

The fine could amount to as much as 10% of Apple's global annual turnover, adding to the company's mounting antitrust troubles as EU regulators attempt to level the playing field for smaller firms. Apple also faces an investigation into new fees imposed on app developers.

Apple declined to comment on the matter, and the European Commission did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Bloomberg first reported on Apple's imminent EU fine earlier on Tuesday.

This development underscores the increasing scrutiny that Big Tech companies are facing as regulators worldwide seek to curb their market dominance and promote fair competition.