Since its enforcement three years ago, the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has aimed to curb Big Tech’s dominance by pushing for more competition and interoperability. But Apple is now pushing back. The company publicly stated that Apple blames EU’s Digital Markets Act for feature delays, warning that customers in Europe could face a “worse experience” as a result.
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Apple Pushes Back On EU Rules
Apple says the DMA’s strict requirements are creating unnecessary risks for its users. According to the company, interoperability rules force Apple to delay new features in the EU, including:
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Live translation for AirPods
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iPhone mirroring on Macs
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Personalized routes and visited places on Apple Maps
The company cautions that the list of delayed features “will probably get longer” unless the EU revises its approach.
Apple’s Privacy Concerns
A key part of Apple’s argument is privacy. The DMA requires Big Tech platforms to open their ecosystems and make apps compatible with third-party hardware and software. Apple claims this makes it nearly impossible to maintain its strict user-data protections.
The company says it has suggested alternative designs to safeguard privacy, but the European Commission rejected those proposals. Apple argues that if it launches these features early in Europe, it could face massive fines or even restrictions on product sales.
Legal And Financial Pressure
This latest clash isn’t happening in isolation. Earlier this year, the EU fined Apple more than $550 million for breaching DMA rules related to in-app payments. Apple has appealed the decision but insists that the current legislation is not fit for purpose.
In a direct appeal, Apple has urged the European Commission to repeal the DMA until a “more appropriate” law can replace it.
What It Means For EU Apple Users
For now, EU users may have to wait longer than the rest of the world for new iPhone, AirPods, and Maps features. Apple’s stance highlights the tension between tech innovation, user privacy, and regulatory oversight in Europe.
Whether the DMA ultimately strengthens competition or weakens consumer experience remains a hotly debated question — but one thing is clear: Apple blames EU’s Digital Markets Act for feature delays, and this battle is far from over.
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