Apple loses EU court fight over App Store gatekeeper status

Apple has lost its legal challenge against EU rules that designated it as a "gatekeeper" under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The General Court of the European Union dismissed Apple's actions regarding its App Store and iOS, ruling that its five app stores on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV constitute a single core platform service. Source: engadget

The ruling

The court rejected Apple's argument that each device's store should be treated separately, stating they "have the same purpose, namely to connect app developers with end users in order to facilitate the distribution of software applications." Source: euronewsen Apple's challenge over iMessage was also deemed inadmissible, meaning the service remains largely unregulated. Source: scmp The court said that the classification of iMessage as a number-independent interpersonal communications service does not by itself impose DMA obligations since it was never listed as an important gateway. Source: cna

Apple's reaction

Apple reiterated its criticism of the DMA, with a spokesperson saying, "We firmly believe the DMA's mandate goes beyond what is lawful and proportionate, threatening to erode decades of privacy and security protections." Source: engadget The company said it will continue advocating for innovation and privacy for European customers. Source: euronewsen

What's next

Apple can appeal Wednesday's ruling to the Court of Justice of the European Union, but only on points of law. Source: cna Two separate cases are still pending: a challenge to the EU's order to open iOS to third-party developers, and an appeal against a €500 million fine for anti-steering violations. Source: engadget The ruling strengthens the position of EU antitrust regulators. Source: scmp