Apple urges EU to scrap market law, citing user experience risks
Apple asked the EU to scrap the Digital Markets Act (DMA), claiming it delays new features and creates security risks for European users.
In a September 24, 2025, press release, Apple said European rules force the company to change its product design for the market, which affects user experience. The DMA was introduced in 2022 and came into effect in 2023. It requires tech companies to meet regulatory thresholds, which, according to Apple, require extensive engineering work and causes delays for some features.
Apple's release follows the European Commission's request for tech companies and EU users to provide feedback. Apple noted that the DMA affects the user experience of Apple products in several ways, leading to more risks when downloading apps, making payments, and creating new privacy threats. Among the affected services are live translation, iPhone mirroring, and location services on Maps.
The DMA defines gatekeepers as large digital platforms, like search engines, app stores, and messengers. According to the DMA, gatekeepers need to allow third parties to interoperate with the gatekeeper's own services in certain situations. Apple says that under the Act, it must respond to almost every request by third parties, which brings privacy and security threats. The company noted that its teams explained the risks to the European Commission, but their concerns were rejected.
According to Apple, the DMA isn't helping European markets; instead, it hurts competition, creates fewer choices, and reduces differentiation. The company also added that the interpretation of the rules is changing, which makes it nearly impossible for companies to comply.
In March 2024, the EU launched an investigation against several companies, including Apple. In April 2025, the EU fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million over their restrictions on user consent for data collection. More recently, in September, it fined Google €2.95 billion for prioritizing its own services (like Google Flights and Hotels) over competitors in search results. The companies argue that the DMA's requirements undermine their established business models and stifle innovation.
The European Commission, however, maintains that the DMA is not designed to punish companies but to create a fairer and more open digital marketplace.
Author
Web3 writer and crypto HODLer with a keen interest in market trends and recent technologies.
