Apple is reportedly preparing too disable certain features on its Apple Watch in the European Union to comply with upcoming Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations, escalating a dispute with EU authorities. The company has voiced strong opposition to the DMA, even calling for it to be overturned or substantially weakened, and has already delayed the rollout of new features in the EU citing the new rules.
The conflict centers on the DMA’s aim to foster competition by preventing tech giants from favoring their own services. Apple argues that complying with the DMA’s requirements for third-party access to its systems would compromise the privacy and security of its users, as data protection laws like GDPR bind all devices. This move impacts EU consumers and developers, perhaps limiting functionality and innovation within the Apple Watch ecosystem. The situation highlights a growing tension between tech companies and regulators seeking to reshape the digital landscape, with users increasingly caught in the middle as features are blocked or delayed.
Apple has previously delayed the introduction of features like iPhone mirroring on Macs in the EU, citing DMA concerns. The company recently made a direct appeal for the DMA to be reversed or substantially altered.
