Apple has encountered a new dispute with the European Union regarding the Digital Markets Act (DMA), as the tech giant believes that the current legislation harms the user experience in the region and exposes them to unnecessary risks.
In an official memo submitted to the European Commission, Apple stated that the law should be repealed or replaced with a more suitable legislative tool, asserting that the DMA disrupts the simplicity of its products and weakens the integration that distinguishes its ecosystem. It added that the current rules may compel the company to delay the release of new features for EU users.
Apple insists that the DMA law threatens user privacy and forces it to allow the download of competing app markets against its main store, which it sees as a risk to digital security. The company clarified that it has already received complaints from some users due to the changes imposed by the law, but it has not revealed specific details.
In contrast, Brussels views the law as necessary for achieving fair competition among tech companies and preventing Apple from dominating the digital market. The law requires major companies like Apple to provide broader options for users, such as selection screens for web browsers and search engines. It also imposes compatibility between the company's devices and third-party products.
Over the past months, the European Union has imposed hefty fines on Apple for alleged violations of competition laws and the DMA, most notably a fine of 500 million euros in April 2025 and another fine of 1.8 billion euros in March 2024. Apple has appealed these rulings, reaffirming its commitment to legal standards but considering the penalties unjust.
Apple believes that the most suitable solution is for an independent European agency to implement the law instead of the European Commission, to avoid what it describes as unbalanced decisions. The Commission, on the other hand, asserts that the law is primarily aimed at enhancing fairness and transparency, noting that it is normal for companies to need some time to adapt to the new regulations.
The Digital Markets Act began to take effect in March 2024, while the first review by the European Union of the law concluded just a few days ago, amid widespread anticipation regarding Apple's fate and its future relationship with European markets.
