Apple asks EU to scrap Digital Markets Act

Apple has urged the European Commission to repeal or substantially curtail the Digital Markets Act (DMA), arguing the regime hampers product development in the EU and introduces privacy risks for users. In written remarks submitted during the Commission’s review of the law, Apple contended enforcement should be transferred to an independent agency insulated from political influence. The company framed the DMA as redesigning its products for the EU market and impairing user experience.

Commission officials rejected any prospect of repeal and reiterated concerns about Apple’s compliance. Investigations launched after the DMA took effect have already resulted in a €500 million fine for Apple, with ongoing scrutiny of product changes. The Commission emphasized that DMA enforcement will continue irrespective of a company’s headquarters, countering criticism from Washington that the rules target U.S. firms.

The DMA designates large platforms as gatekeepers and imposes obligations such as permitting rival app stores on iOS and providing choice screens for default browsers. Non-compliance can trigger fines of up to 10% of global turnover, rising to 20% for repeat violations, and, in extreme cases, structural remedies. Apple maintains the Commission’s interpretations create new vulnerabilities and degrade user experience, citing delayed EU launches of live translation, iPhone mirroring, and location-based maps features.

Transatlantic tensions have intensified as the current U.S. administration pressures Brussels to soften DMA enforcement and criticizes large antitrust fines as de facto taxes on American companies. EU leaders have dismissed those claims, affirming a commitment to apply the DMA consistently. The Commission signaled no intention to retreat, setting the stage for continued legal and technical disputes over gatekeeper obligations, privacy risk assessments, and product design governance in the EU digital market.