Apple has asked Brussels to repeal, or substantially scale back, the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The company says the law harms consumers, weakens security, and makes it harder to build polished experiences. The request lands as the European Commission reviews how the DMA is working in practice.
Apple’s core claim: the DMA makes users less safe
Apple argues the DMA forces it to open critical parts of iOS to third parties. That includes allowing alternative app stores and broader interoperability with non-Apple devices.
The company says those mandates expand the attack surface for malware, fraud, and privacy breaches. It also says regulators rejected several of its proposed safeguards.
Apple maintains that its tightly controlled App Store and hardware-software integration are central to security. It warns that mandated openness could dilute those protections. EU officials, however, have repeatedly said the DMA is designed to restore competition and user choice, and that “compliance is not optional.”
Feature delays hit EU users
The policy fight already affects consumers in the 27-nation bloc. Apple says EU users are seeing delayed rollouts for multiple features because the DMA forces “day-one” compatibility with rival products and marketplaces.
Cited examples include iPhone Mirroring on Mac, AI-powered Live Translation for AirPods, and some Apple Maps updates. Apple says the engineering and privacy burdens are significant.
The company frames these delays as a direct cost of the DMA. It also hints more slowdowns could come as compliance deadlines approach. Apple says it is investing heavily to meet the rules but warns of ongoing friction.
A warning shot: some products may not ship
In its submission, Apple suggests certain products or services could become “non-viable” in Europe if the law stands. Reporting indicates wearables could be among the most affected categories if deeper data-sharing is required. The company also says the DMA is applied unevenly across competitors. EU officials have not signaled any carve-outs.
Brussels’ stance and penalties so far
The Commission has already used the DMA’s teeth. In April 2025, it found Apple in breach of the act’s anti-steering obligations. It announced non-compliance decisions and penalties alongside a separate decision against Meta.
Law-firm summaries and Commission materials cite a €500 million fine against Apple, which the company is appealing. Officials have also threatened ongoing penalties if violations persist.
Separately, Brussels has issued guidance specifying how Apple must meet parts of its interoperability duties. That includes clearer requirements around connecting third-party hardware and services. Apple has called elements of those rules “deeply flawed” and harmful to security. It has filed appeals.
