Apple has lost its legal challenge against European Union rules classifying its App Store and iOS mobile operating system as “gatekeepers” under the bloc’s landmark Digital Markets Act (DMA), in a setback for the iPhone maker’s efforts to limit the scope of the sweeping competition law.
The EU’s General Court in Luxembourg upheld the European Commission’s decision to designate both the App Store and iOS as core platform services subject to the DMA, which imposes far-reaching obligations on large technology companies to promote fair competition and consumer choice.
In its ruling, the court said it had dismissed Apple’s actions concerning its designation as a gatekeeper in relation to both the App Store and iOS, affirming that EU regulators were justified in bringing the services under the legislation.
The Digital Markets Act is designed to curb the market power of the world’s largest digital platforms by requiring them to open their ecosystems to greater competition. Companies found to be in breach of the rules can face fines of up to 10 per cent of their global annual turnover.
The judgment comes just days after Google suffered another legal setback in Europe, losing its long-running appeal against a record EU antitrust penalty linked to allegations that it used its Android operating system to stifle competition.
Apple had challenged several aspects of the Commission’s decision, including requirements to make rival hardware interoperable with the iPhone, the inclusion of its highly profitable App Store under the DMA, and proceedings relating to its iMessage messaging service.
Although Apple ultimately avoided having iMessage designated under the legislation, the General Court ruled that the company’s legal challenge concerning the messaging platform was inadmissible.
Responding to the judgment, an Apple spokesperson criticised the legislation, arguing that its requirements extend beyond what is legally justified.
”We firmly believe the DMA’s mandate goes beyond what is lawful and proportionate, threatening to erode decades of privacy and security protections we’ve built and leaving our users vulnerable to new risks,” the spokesperson said.
Apple retains the right to appeal the ruling on points of law before the Court of Justice of the European Union, the bloc’s highest judicial authority.
The dispute dates back to 2024, when Apple asked the General Court to overturn the European Commission’s decision to treat its App Stores across iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, Apple TVs and Apple Watches as a single core platform service under the DMA. However, the judges sided with the Commission.
The latest ruling is expected to strengthen Brussels’ hand as it continues to enforce the Digital Markets Act against major US technology firms. The legislation has faced sustained opposition from Apple and has also drawn criticism from US President Donald Trump, whose administration has raised concerns about the law during trade discussions with the European Union.
Apple is already contesting a separate €500 million fine imposed by the European Commission over alleged breaches of the Digital Markets Act, a case that remains ongoing.
