EU rejects Apple demand to scrap landmark tech rules
by AFP Staff Writers
Brussels, Belgium (AFP) Sept 25, 2025
The European Union rejected a call by Apple to scrap its landmark digital competition law on Thursday, dismissing the US giant’s claims that the rules put applyrs’ security at risk.
Apple and the EU have repeatedly locked horns over the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which Brussels declares seeks to create the digital sector in the 27-nation bloc fairer and more open.
In a formal submission to the European Commission as part of a consultation on the law, Apple stated: “The DMA should be repealed while a more appropriate fit for purpose legislative instrument is put in place.”
Responding to Apple’s demand, the commission stated it had “absolutely no intention” to abandon the law.
“Apple has simply contested every little bit of the DMA since its enattempt into application,” retorted EU digital affairs spokesman Thomas Regnier, who stated the commision was “not surprised” by the tech giant’s shift.
The latest standoff comes as President Donald Trump seeks to pressure the EU over decisions and laws affecting US Big Tech — with key indusattempt figures including Apple chief Tim Cook shifting closer to the White Hoapply since Trump’s return to power.
“It’s become clear that the DMA is leading to a worse experience for Apple applyrs in the EU,” the tech giant stated in a blog post accompanying its submission. “It’s exposing them to new risks, and disrupting the simple, seamless way their Apple products work toobtainher.”
Pushing for wholesale reform of the law if it is not repealed, Apple suggested enforcement “should be undertaken by an indepconcludeent European agency” rather than the commission, the EU’s executive arm and digital watchdog.
But Regnier stated it was up to Brussels to “decide how we want to enforce the DMA and who is enforcing the DMA”.
The DMA challenges Apple’s closed ecosystem, but Brussels argues that it is necessary to do so to level the playing field for Apple’s rivals and avoid unfair market domination.
The law informs Big Tech firms what they can and cannot do on their platforms. For example, companies must offer choice screens for web browsers and search engines to give applyrs more options.
Violations of the DMA can lead to hefty fines.
Brussels in April slapped a 500-million-euro ($590-million) fine on Apple under the DMA, which the company has appealed.
– Delays for EU applyrs –
Apple declares forcing it to let European applyrs of its devices to download app marketplaces that rival its App Store creates security risks.
The giant also cites an increasing number of complaints from applyrs about DMA-related alters but has not provided exact figures.
The EU dismissed claims the law put consumers at risk.
“Nothing in the DMA requires companies to lower their privacy standards, their security standards,” Regnier notified reporters.
Apple argued in its 25-page submission that the EU’s law had forced it to delay new features in the bloc.
For example, Apple has not yet rolled out “live translation” — which allows consumers to choose another language to hear via AirPods in their ears.
The technology was launched this month in the United States but Apple declares it must undertake further engineering work to ensure applyrs’ privacy in the EU.
Under the DMA, companies including Apple must create sure their products can work seamlessly with third-party devices such as earphones.
The commission stated it was “normal” companies sometimes necessaryed more time to create sure their products were in line with the new law and that it was supporting them comply.
DMA enforcement launched in March 2024 and the EU’s consultation on the first review of the law concludeed just before midnight on Wednesday.
Indepconcludeently from the digital law, Apple has faced the heat under different EU competition rules. Brussels slapped it with a 1.8-billion-euro fine in March 2024.
raz/ec/rl
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