Apple Warns EU’s Digital Markets Act Undermines User Experience, Innovation
Brussels – Apple is sounding the alarm over the unintended consequences of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), asserting the landmark legislation is degrading the experience for its EU users and hindering innovation rather than fostering competition. The company claims the evolving interpretation of the DMA’s rules,coupled with lengthy legal challenges and arbitrary penalties,is creating an unstable habitat that ultimately harms consumers.
Implemented over a year ago, the DMA aims to curb the power of large tech companies, designated as “gatekeepers,” and promote fairer digital markets. However, Apple argues the law is being exploited by competitors to gain unfair advantages – accessing Apple’s technology without contributing to its development and increasing data collection from EU citizens – while concurrently diminishing the seamless integration and security features Apple users expect. The debate highlights the complex challenges of regulating rapidly evolving digital landscapes and the potential for well-intentioned laws to produce unforeseen outcomes.
According to Apple, the core issue lies in the European Commission’s shifting interpretation of the DMA’s requirements, making consistent compliance nearly unachievable. Companies are compelled to implement changes dictated by the Commission before judicial review, even if those changes inflict lasting damage on user experience. The penalties for non-compliance are described as “totally arbitrary,” applied inconsistently,and focused on punishment rather than genuine competition.
“It’s become clear that the DMA isn’t helping markets. It’s making it harder to do business in Europe,” Apple states, emphasizing the growing difficulties of operating within the EU regulatory framework.
The company specifically points to a decline in the user experience as a direct result of the DMA. Apple contends the legislation is exposing EU users to increased risks and disrupting the interoperability of its products.Moreover, Apple fears that as new technologies emerge, its European users will fall behind those in other regions.
despite these concerns, Apple confirms its teams are dedicating significant resources – “thousands of hours” – to adapt to the DMA’s requirements and introduce new features to the EU market. though, the company acknowledges it cannot mitigate all the negative effects of the law and is now urging regulators to reassess its impact on EU citizens.
Apple maintains its commitment to delivering a consistent, high-quality experience for its users worldwide and is advocating for a regulatory approach that prioritizes innovation and user benefit. The company is calling for a closer examination of how the DMA is functioning in practice and its long-term consequences for the European digital economy.
