Apple lost its bid to escape digital competition rules after an EU court rejected the US giant’s challenge on Wednesday.
Apple appealed the European Union’s decision to apply stricter rules known as the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to its iOS operating system and App Store.
“The General Court dismisses all claims brought by Apple,” the Luxembourg-based court said in a statement. “Confirms Apple’s designation as a gatekeeper to the App Store and iOS.”
Companies like Apple are designated so-called “gatekeepers” under the DMA, and their applications are subject to additional scrutiny as “core platform services.”
The DMA comes up with a list of dos and don’ts for the world’s biggest digital platforms in an effort to keep them under control and create an open internet space.
Apple has been one of the fiercest critics of the law, calling on the EU to repeal the DMA last year. The company defended its position after the decision.
“We strongly believe that the DMA’s mandate goes beyond what is lawful and proportionate, threatening to erode decades of privacy and security protections we have built and leaving our users vulnerable to new risks,” the company said.
“We will continue to advocate for the innovation and privacy that our European customers deserve,” Apple added in a statement.
Apple had also launched a challenge against the EU regarding iMessage, but the court found the iMessage-related actions “unacceptable”.
The EU had investigated whether iMessage should also comply with DMA, but ultimately Brussels decided against more rules for the messaging service.
“None of the obligations imposed by the DMA apply to iMessage since that service is not listed in a determination decision as a significant gateway,” the court said.
– ‘Good news’ –
A particular case brought by Apple relates to interoperability under the DMA, as it forces companies to make their products accessible to rivals.
The same EU court has yet to rule on interoperability.
The ruling is another victory for the European Commission, the EU’s digital watchdog, as TikTok and Meta also lost challenges against the DMA.
However, Chinese-owned TikTok has contested the lower court’s 2024 ruling.
The European Consumer Organization (BEUC) welcomed Wednesday’s decision.
“It’s good news,” said BEUC director general Agustin Reyna, adding: “Anything less would have jeopardized the positive impact the Digital Markets Act is having in creating more choices for online consumers.”
He added that Apple’s “resources would be better spent on fully and promptly complying with the law.”
