Apple Presses EU to Scrap Landmark Tech Rules, Citing Feature Delays and App Risks

Apple (AAPL.O) on Wednesday urged the European Union to repeal its landmark Digital Markets Act (DMA), a sweeping set of rules aimed at curbing the power of Big Tech, and replace it with what the company described as a more suitable framework.

The request comes as the European Commission reviews the law for the first time, assessing both its effectiveness and its ability to respond to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. The Commission had invited feedback from stakeholders by September 24.

Apple argued that the DMA has delayed the rollout of new features for EU users and introduced greater risks to their privacy and security. The company urged the Commission to reassess how the law affects consumers using its products in Europe, while stressing that it would continue working to deliver new features within the legal framework.

Apple said the law forced it to postpone several rollouts in the EU—including iPhone mirroring to Mac and live translation on AirPods—citing engineering challenges. Location-based features in Apple Maps have also been delayed, the company said, because the DMA requires Apple to ensure certain features are interoperable with non-Apple products or third-party developers before release.

The iPhone maker added that it has been unable to comply with the DMA’s demands without compromising user data, and that its proposed safeguards were rejected by the Commission.

“It has become clear that we cannot solve every problem created by the DMA,” Apple said. “Over time, it has also become clear that the DMA is not helping markets. It is making it harder to do business in Europe.”

The European Commission did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.

In June, Apple made changes to its App Store rules and fees to comply with a separate EU antitrust order.

The DMA, which took effect last year, requires major tech platforms to open their ecosystems to rivals. Apple argued this has made the app experience for EU users “riskier and less seamless,” citing sideloading and alternative marketplaces that have enabled scams, malware, and pornography apps previously banned from the App Store.

The Trump administration has repeatedly criticized the DMA, while the Commission has firmly rejected those claims.