Apple Slams EU's DMA, Warns of Worsening User Experience and New Security Risks

In a strongly worded statement, Apple today detailed its concerns with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), arguing that the regulation is forcing the company to delay new features, introduce security risks, and deliver a worse experience for its users in the EU. The company says the DMA's interoperability requirements are making it difficult to roll out new innovations while maintaining the privacy and security standards its customers expect.

Apple confirmed it has been forced to postpone several new features for European users that were announced at its Worldwide Developers Conference last month. The list of delayed features includes Live Translation with AirPods, iPhone Mirroring, and new Maps capabilities like Visited Places and Preferred Routes. The company said that under the DMA, it is required to make these features work with non-Apple products, a process that creates complex engineering challenges and could expose user data. Apple claims its proposals to mitigate these risks have been rejected by the European Commission, and that under the law, it is illegal to release the features to its own users until the interoperability issues are resolved. This isn't the first time Apple has blamed the DMA for feature delays.

The company also warned that the DMA's mandate for alternative app marketplaces and payment systems makes the app experience riskier and less intuitive. Apple pointed to the potential for scams from fake banking apps, malware, and fraudulent payment systems—issues it says are more common on other mobile platforms. The statement also noted that pornography and gambling apps, which Apple has historically prohibited from its own App Store, are now available on the iPhone in the EU for the first time via other marketplaces.


The statement also detailed what Apple described as new privacy and security threats. It said companies have submitted requests for access to some of the most sensitive user data, including the complete content of notifications and the full history of joined Wi-Fi networks, which can reveal a user's location and activities. Apple says it has explained these risks to the European Commission but that privacy concerns have not been accepted as a valid reason to deny a request. This follows a direct order from the EU for Apple to open up nine key iOS connectivity features, a decision Apple is currently appealing.

Apple concluded by arguing that the DMA is failing to achieve its goals, leading to fewer choices for EU users as features are delayed, and less differentiation between platforms. The company claims the law unfairly targets Apple while leaving its competitors, including the smartphone market leader in Europe, free to operate as usual. Apple said it is urging regulators to reconsider the law's impact and that it will keep fighting to deliver the experience its European users expect.

You can read the full statement at the link below...

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