Understand what happened and why it matters
Apple Urges EU to repeal or significantly rework the Digital Markets Act (DMA), saying the law has forced the company to delay key iPhone features for European users and risks exposing customers to security and privacy problems.
Apple’s appeal comes as the European Commission reviews the DMA’s impact and stands to shape how big tech builds products for Europe in coming years.
Apple’s claim: DMA has delayed iPhone features in Europe
In a public submission, Apple listed several features it says have been postponed in the EU, including iPhone Mirroring, Live Translation for AirPods, and certain Apple Maps functions.
The company argued these delays result from technical and regulatory requirements that force Apple to make features compatible with third-party hardware and services — a change Apple says complicates engineering and could weaken privacy protections.
Why Apple says the DMA creates security and privacy risks
Apple warns that requirements to allow sideloading and alternate app stores could open doors to malware, scams, and user data exposure, and that some DMA-mandated interoperability would require sharing data with third parties in ways the company believes would lower user security. Apple says it has proposed safeguards but that regulators rejected some of its alternatives.
EU response: no plan to repeal the law
The European Commission has rejected calls to scrap the DMA. EU officials have told reporters they have “no intention” of repealing the law, saying the DMA is intended to boost competition and user choice and that enforcement will continue. The Commission is conducting a scheduled review of the DMA’s performance and invited stakeholder feedback this month.
Business context: fines, compliance deadlines and market stakes
Apple has already adjusted App Store rules to comply with the DMA and faced enforcement actions under EU digital rules. The company stresses it is complying, but says the law’s constraints add cost and delay for new product rollouts in high-value European markets. Regulators can levy large fines for noncompliance, which raises the stakes for both sides.
Long-term stakes for users and developers
Supporters of the DMA argue it increases competition and lowers fees for consumers, while critics — including Apple — say forced interoperability and alternate app stores risk fragmenting ecosystems and reducing security.
For developers, the DMA has already opened new distribution routes in Europe; for users, the debate will determine how soon they see certain Apple features and what tradeoffs between convenience, choice, and security they face.
What to expect next — the clock on review and negotiation
The European Commission’s review will consider whether the DMA needs tweaks to address emerging tech like AI and whether its compliance timeline is workable. Apple has asked for repeal or a reworked law; the Commission looks set to keep the DMA but may publish clarifications or guidance after the review. Expect months of stakeholder debate, possible legal challenges, and further public statements from both sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Digital Markets Act (DMA)?
The DMA is an EU law aimed at curbing dominant platforms’ unfair practices, increasing competition and offering more choices to consumers.
Why did Apple ask the EU to repeal the DMA?
Apple said the DMA forced it to delay features in Europe, complicates engineering work, and might increase security risks by opening systems to third parties.
Which iPhone features were delayed due to the DMA?
Apple cited iPhone Mirroring, Live Translation for AirPods and some Apple Maps functions as examples of delayed features in the EU.
Will the EU repeal the DMA because of Apple’s request?
The European Commission has said it has no intention of repealing the DMA; it is reviewing the law’s impact and may clarify rules but is unlikely to scrap it outright.
How will this affect European users?
Users may see some Apple features arrive later in Europe; over time the DMA could bring more app choices and competition but also new security trade-offs.
Author note
I’m Ameer Hamza — I follow EU tech policy and product rollouts via primary sources and major news agencies. For this article I used Apple’s submission and reporting from Reuters, AP, Bloomberg and The Verge. Where Apple cited delays and security concerns, I treated those as company claims and included the EU’s official pushback for balance.