In a statement released September 25, 2025, the company detailed how compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) has forced delays in innovations for EU users, including advanced messaging and AI tools, and called for a full repeal of the law.
The DMA, enforced since March 2024, designates Apple as a “gatekeeper” and requires changes like allowing third-party app stores and alternative payment systems on iOS devices sold in Europe. While aimed at fostering competition, Apple argues these mandates create security vulnerabilities and stifle development, potentially leading to a scaled-back presence in the region. This comes amid ongoing probes into Apple’s App Store practices, with fines exceeding 2 billion euros already imposed.
For U.S. Apple users, the development highlights broader tensions between global tech policies and product availability. Features like improved RCS messaging between iPhone and Android—rolled out worldwide in iOS 18—arrived later in Europe due to DMA adjustments, affecting seamless communication for international travelers and businesses.
DMA Compliance Challenges for Apple
Apple’s statement outlines specific hurdles under the DMA, which mandates “interoperability” to open iOS to rivals. One flashpoint is sideloading apps, now permitted in the EU but restricted elsewhere for security. Apple warns that this exposes users to malware risks, citing a 30% rise in malicious app reports in test regions. To comply, the company introduced a notarization process, but it adds development time and costs, delaying features like Apple Intelligence’s full suite.
Advanced messaging exemplifies the issue. While U.S. iPhone users enjoy end-to-end encrypted iMessage with Android interoperability via RCS, EU versions lack some safeguards to meet DMA requirements, compromising privacy. Apple notes that without repeal, similar delays could hit future updates, such as enhanced Siri capabilities or Vision Pro expansions.
The firm also flags payment system mandates, requiring support for non-Apple processors in apps. This has slowed rollouts for services like Apple Pay Later, now available stateside but postponed in Europe. Tim Cook’s team estimates compliance has cost billions, diverting resources from innovation to regulatory workarounds.
EU officials defend the DMA as essential for fair markets, pointing to consumer benefits like lower app prices. Yet Apple’s critique echoes complaints from Meta and Google, who face similar gatekeeper status. A repeal petition, backed by over 100 tech firms, argues the law hampers competitiveness by favoring smaller players unevenly.
Potential Product Impacts in Europe
Apple’s threat isn’t idle: the company has hinted at ceasing iPhone shipments to the EU if DMA burdens become untenable. This could mean no new models like the iPhone 17 series in European stores, forcing users to import or switch platforms. Services might follow—Apple TV+ could limit content, and Apple Music might restrict features like spatial audio sharing.
For Apple Watch and AirPods, DMA rules on accessory compatibility could delay health tracking updates, as seen with blood oxygen monitoring tweaks for U.S. sales. Vision Pro, already EU-available, risks feature cuts in software like visionOS 3 to avoid interoperability mandates.
U.S. consumers might feel indirect effects through global supply chains. Delayed European feedback could slow iterative improvements, and higher compliance costs might influence pricing worldwide. Apple stock dipped 1.2% on the news, reflecting investor worries over a key market representing 25% of iPhone sales.
Critics like the Electronic Frontier Foundation praise the DMA for empowering users, but Apple’s stance underscores a clash: innovation versus regulation. As probes continue— including a fresh DMA investigation into browser choices—expect more friction.
On regulatory tensions, visit reuters.com/business/apple-urges-eu-regulators-take-closer-look-tech-rules-2025-09-25
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