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Apple’s ongoing showdown with the European Union and its Digital Markets Act (DMA) has led to some landmark developments for Apple users in the EU (and elsewhere, for that matter). With that said though, the European Commission has announced that Apple is the first technology company that has been charged with violating the DMA.
An official release from the European Commission goes into detail about how the Cupertino-based company’s “steering” policies with its App Store have been in violation of several DMA regulations. For example, this includes limiting developers from offering users with alternative sources for software and content. Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market notes:
We have reason to believe that the AppStore rules not allowing app developers to communicate freely with their users is in breach of the DMA… Without prejudice to Apple’s right of defence, we are determined to use the clear and effective DMA toolbox to finally open real opportunities for innovators and for consumers.
The Commission adds that it has proceeded with a new investigation into Apple’s “core technology fee,” which it describes as another violation of DMA rules. Apple has long been in the European Commission’s crosshairs, along with other tech industry giants such as Google and Meta.
Just recently, it was reported that iPhone users in the EU might miss out on some of Apple’s recently-introduced AI features due to DMA regulations. As a result, features such as Genmoji, Image Playground, and Writing Tools might not launch in the EU when they arrive in September for other regions.
Source: IGN
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