Apple has expressed concerns that users in the European Union are facing delays in accessing new features, along with increased privacy and security risks, as a result of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This legislation, aimed at enhancing competition among major tech firms, has sparked debate, leading Apple to formally request the EU to repeal or substantially amend the law. Reports from the Wall Street Journal and The Economic Times indicate that Apple’s compliance with the DMA has necessitated alterations to its App Store and other services. The company asserts that these modifications have inadvertently affected users, causing delays in features such as iPhone Mirroring to Mac and Live Translation with AirPods.
Apple has also voiced worries regarding the risks stemming from alternative app marketplaces and mandatory sideloading, both of which are mandated by the DMA. “It’s become clear that we can’t address every issue that the DMA creates,” Apple remarked, directly linking the regulation to these delays. The firm noted that technical and privacy obstacles continue to exist, despite its ongoing attempts to introduce new features while complying with the law. Apple characterized the new app marketplace environment as “riskier, less intuitive,” cautioning against elevated threats from scams, malware, and inappropriate content—risks that were previously mitigated by Apple’s platform safeguards.
In talks with EU authorities, Apple revealed that its proposed user data protections were denied by the European Commission, further complicating compliance efforts. Several anticipated features, including iPhone Mirroring to Mac, Live Translation with AirPods, and new location-based functionalities in Apple Maps, remain delayed for EU users. Apple attributes these hold-ups to engineering challenges posed by the DMA’s interoperability requirements, which necessitate certain features to function with non-Apple products and third-party developers. The company also pointed out the DMA’s negative impact on its business operations in Europe. “Over time, it’s become apparent that the DMA isn’t benefiting markets.
It’s making it more difficult to operate in Europe,” Apple stated, reflecting the growing tensions between major tech companies and EU regulators regarding digital competition and user safety. To comply with the DMA, Apple updated its App Store policies and fee structures in the EU as recently as June. However, the firm argues that allowing competitors access to its platforms has introduced operational risks and compromised some established security protocols. What was intended to foster competition has, according to Apple, led to new challenges for innovation and consumer safety. Looking forward, Apple has officially requested that European legislators reevaluate the DMA’s scope and stipulations.
While the company continues its efforts to deliver new features to EU users, it urges regulators to consider the regulation’s implications for user safety, product experience, and overall innovation. No specific timeline has been provided regarding when the delayed features may become available.
