What's happened
As of October 2025, Apple publicly urges the European Commission to repeal or scale back the Digital Markets Act (DMA), citing delays to feature rollouts like AirPods live translation and iPhone Mirroring due to interoperability and privacy challenges. The EU Commission rejects these calls, affirming no plans to repeal the DMA, emphasizing user choice and privacy remain protected.
What's behind the headline?
Apple's Opposition to the DMA Reflects a Clash Over Control and Innovation
Apple's public call to repeal or scale back the DMA reveals a fundamental tension between regulatory efforts to open digital markets and Apple's tightly controlled ecosystem. The company argues that interoperability requirements delay feature launches and risk user privacy, citing engineering challenges to make features like AirPods live translation compatible with non-Apple devices.
The EU Commission's Firm Stance
The European Commission rejects Apple's claims, emphasizing that the DMA does not require lowering privacy or security standards but aims to increase user choice. This regulatory firmness signals the EU's commitment to challenging Big Tech's market dominance despite pushback.
Broader Industry Implications
Apple's criticism extends to Google, highlighting industry-wide resistance to opening app marketplaces. Epic Games' data shows that Apple's earlier 'scare screens' discouraged users from installing third-party app stores, though recent updates have improved adoption rates.
Forecast and Impact
Apple's resistance will likely continue, including legal appeals against fines. However, the DMA's enforcement will push Apple and other tech giants to adapt their ecosystems, potentially reshaping app distribution and device interoperability in Europe. Consumers may face short-term delays but gain longer-term benefits in choice and competition.
What This Means for Users
EU users might experience delayed access to some Apple features but will gain more freedom to install apps from alternative marketplaces. The debate underscores the balance regulators must strike between innovation, privacy, and market openness.
What the papers say
TechCrunch reports that Apple has modified its process for installing third-party app stores on iPhones, reducing user drop-off from 65% to 25%, yet Epic Games remains critical of Apple's policies, including fees and app notarization requirements. The Guardian's Robert Booth highlights Apple's claim that the DMA disrupts seamless device integration and exposes users to security risks, while the European Commission's spokesperson Thomas Regnier counters that the DMA enhances user choice without lowering privacy standards. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman notes Apple's compliance but firm opposition, urging regulators to reconsider the DMA's impact. The Japan Times and AP News echo Apple's concerns about delayed features like iPhone Mirroring and AirPods live translation, citing engineering challenges. Politico quotes the Commission accusing Apple of contesting every aspect of the DMA, undermining its cooperative narrative. Business Insider UK adds context on Apple's ecosystem control, noting Meta's CTO blaming Apple's restrictive API for limiting iMessage integration on Meta's new AI glasses. These sources collectively illustrate a complex standoff between Apple and EU regulators over digital market openness, user privacy, and innovation.
How we got here
The EU's Digital Markets Act, effective since 2024, aims to curb Big Tech dominance by enforcing interoperability and opening app ecosystems. Apple was fined over $550 million for breaching DMA rules on app payments. The company now claims the DMA forces delays on new features and exposes users to security risks, while the EU insists the law enhances consumer choice without compromising privacy.
Go deeper
- What specific features has Apple delayed due to the DMA?
- How does the EU Commission respond to Apple's privacy concerns?
- What impact does the DMA have on app marketplaces in Europe?
Common question
-
Why Is Apple Fighting EU Digital Rules?
Apple is currently challenging the European Union's new digital regulations, claiming they could harm innovation, security, and fair competition. This ongoing dispute raises questions about how tech giants like Apple are affected by government rules and what it means for consumers. Below, you'll find answers to common questions about this clash and what it could mean for the future of technology and regulation.
-
How are tech companies responding to new EU regulations?
The European Union's recent implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) has sparked a significant response from major tech companies like Apple. While the law aims to promote competition and user choice, companies are raising concerns about delays, security, and innovation. Curious about how these firms are reacting and what the future holds? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this evolving situation.
-
How are tech companies responding to new EU regulations?
The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to regulate big tech firms and promote fair competition. However, companies like Apple are pushing back, claiming the rules hinder innovation and user experience. This page explores how major tech giants are reacting to these regulations, what their concerns are, and what might happen next. If you're curious about the ongoing clash between regulators and tech firms, read on to find out more about the key issues and potential outcomes.
More on these topics
-
Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.
-
The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
-
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the EU.