Apple has filed a legal appeal against a European Commission order requiring it to open its closed software ecosystem to competitors such as Meta and Google, arguing the directive is unreasonable and threatens both innovation and user privacy.
The challenge relates to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to curb the dominance of major tech platforms by enforcing greater interoperability and competition. In March, the Commission outlined specific obligations for Apple, including mandates to provide access to its operating systems and technologies for rival device makers and app developers.
Apple criticised the EU’s requirements, claiming they impose an “unreasonable, costly” burden that could stifle innovation. “These deeply flawed rules that only target Apple – and no other company – will severely limit our ability to deliver innovative products and features to Europe, leading to an inferior user experience for our European customers,” the company said in a statement.
The tech giant also raised concerns about data security, arguing that granting access to competitors could expose sensitive user information to companies it described as “data-hungry.”
Firms such as Meta, Google, Spotify, and Garmin have reportedly requested access to Apple’s user data under the new rules. While Apple’s legal battle could take years to resolve, the company is still required to comply with the DMA in the interim.
The European Commission’s enforcement demands include giving rival smartphone, headphone, and virtual reality headset manufacturers access to Apple’s mobile operating systems. Apple must also follow a formal process and timeline to handle interoperability requests from third-party developers.
