Apple has urged the EU to amend its Digital Markets Act, warning the law threatens user privacy, weakens security, and could even force it to stop shipping products in Europe.
Apple has called for urgent changes to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), warning the legislation could harm users, stifle innovation, and even force the company to reconsider shipping products in the bloc.
In a lengthy statement published on its newsroom, Apple said the DMA was already slowing the rollout of key features in Europe, including iPhone Mirroring, Visited Places in Maps, and Live Translation with AirPods.
The Cupertino-based company argued the law’s requirement to make certain technologies work on non-Apple platforms first introduced significant privacy and security risks.
Apple warned: “If we shared them any sooner, we’d be fined and potentially forced to stop shipping our products in the EU.”
The corporation also criticised the law for mandating support for third-party app marketplaces and sideloading.
Apple claimed this would expose users to harmful apps, scams, and weaker consumer protections. Apple continued: “On other mobile platforms, users face scams spread through fake banking apps, malware disguised as games, and third-party payment systems that overcharge them with no way to get their money back.
“The DMA’s requirements make it more likely our EU users will be exposed to similar risks.”
Apple further suggested that the rules amounted to unfair competition, saying they singled out the company despite rivals like Samsung being Europe’s smartphone leader.
The company insisted the DMA was “not living up to its promises” of fostering competition or improving consumer choice.
The European Commission has defended the DMA as necessary to rein in “gatekeeper” firms and open up digital markets.
However, Apple’s warning that it may scale back products in the EU sets up a potential showdown with regulators as the bloc prepares to enforce the next phase of the rules.
Apple demands change to EU’s anti-monopoly laws
