Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc., speaks during the launch event for the iPad 6 at Lane Technical College Prep High School in Chicago on March 27, 2018. By John Gress Media Inc / Shutterstock.com.

World

Apple’s EU Battle: Why the Tech Giant Demands Digital Markets Act Repeal, Citing Political Bias and Security Risks

Apple wants the EU to repeal the Digital Markets Act, citing unfairness and hindering features.

byAndres Castro

September 25, 2025, 8:40 AM

Executive Summary

Apple is publicly calling for the repeal of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), arguing it prevents the launch of new features like Live Translation and iPhone Mirroring in the EU.

Apple contends the European Commission acts as an unfair and politically influenced arbiter for DMA enforcement and suggests transferring enforcement to an independent agency “shielded from political interference.”

Apple claims the DMA compromises user security and privacy by forcing it to support third-party app marketplaces and alternative payment systems that may not meet its high standards, increasing risks of scams and malware.

The Story So Far

The ongoing dispute stems from the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), a regulation designed to foster fair competition in digital markets, under which Apple previously faced a €500 million fine for restricting app developers. Apple is now publicly advocating for the DMA’s repeal or for its enforcement to be transferred to an independent agency, arguing that the regulation impedes its ability to launch new features in Europe, compromises user security and privacy, and that the European Commission acts as a politically influenced and unfair arbiter.

Why This Matters

Apple’s call for the repeal or independent enforcement of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) signals a significant challenge to European tech regulation, potentially limiting the rollout of new iPhone features for EU consumers and raising concerns about user security and privacy due to mandated support for third-party app stores and payment systems. This ongoing dispute highlights the growing friction between major tech companies and regulatory bodies over control of digital ecosystems and market access.

Who Thinks What?

Apple advocates for the repeal of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), arguing it prevents the launch of new iPhone features in the EU and that a more “fit for purpose legislative instrument” is needed.

Apple also contends that if the DMA remains, its enforcement should be transferred to an independent European agency, separate from the European Commission, which Apple alleges is not impartial and is “highly responsive to external pressures.”

Furthermore, Apple expresses concerns that the DMA’s requirements to support third-party app marketplaces and alternative payment systems compromise user security and privacy by increasing the risk of scams, malware, and inadequate consumer protections.

Apple has publicly called for the repeal of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), arguing that the regulation hinders its ability to roll out new features in Europe and that the European Commission acts as an unfair and politically influenced arbiter. This comes after the tech giant faced a €500 million fine earlier this year from the Commission for restricting app developers from offering cheaper subscription options outside its App Store.

Apple’s Stance on the DMA

The company formalized its objections in a public submission to the European Commission, which is currently reviewing the effectiveness of the DMA. Apple contends that the regulation has directly prevented the launch of its latest iPhone features, including Live Translation and iPhone Mirroring, within the EU market.

Apple’s global marketing vice president, Greg Joswiak, previously expressed frustration to the Irish Independent, stating the company is “pissed off” about these restrictions. The company’s formal submission explicitly calls for the DMA’s repeal and the implementation of a more “fit for purpose legislative instrument.”

Concerns Over Enforcement and Independence

Beyond advocating for repeal, Apple’s submission also suggests that if the DMA remains in effect, its enforcement should be transferred to an independent European agency, separate from the European Commission. This proposed agency, Apple argues, would be “shielded from political interference” and capable of ensuring a “predictable, equitable, balanced, and text-based application” of the DMA that respects fundamental rights.

The company’s submission questions the Commission’s impartiality, stating, “Apple calls for a fundamental review as to whether the European Commission meets the criteria of an independent authority in the context of DMA enforcement.” It further alleges that the Commission has been “highly responsive to external pressures” and has “encouraged complaints and work hand-in-hand with third-parties” against Apple.

Security and Privacy Implications

Apple also raised concerns about the DMA’s impact on user security and privacy. The company claims that the new regulatory framework forces it to support third-party app marketplaces and alternative payment systems that may not adhere to the same high privacy and security standards as its own App Store.

According to Apple, this requirement increases the risk of EU users encountering scams, malware, and inadequate security. The company highlighted potential issues seen on other mobile platforms, such as fake banking apps and third-party payment systems lacking robust consumer protections, as risks the DMA could introduce to its ecosystem.