Apple is pushing back against a major regulatory milestone in the European Union, appealing interoperability requirements imposed by the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The company filed its challenge with the EU's General Court in Luxembourg on May 30, targeting the European Commission's directive to open up iOS to increased third-party device access and data sharing.
EU Digital Markets Act: Targeting Interoperability
The Digital Markets Act is a wide-reaching regulatory initiative intended to increase competition and consumer choice among large technology platforms, which the EU designates as "gatekeepers." Since 2024, Apple has been subject to several DMA mandates, including requirements on App Store payment links and alternate browser engines. The latest provision, confirmed by the European Commission in March 2025, mandates that Apple provide interoperability with rival devices — not just within its own hardware ecosystem.
Key aspects of these interoperability rules include:
- Allowing third-party smartwatches, headphones, and VR headsets to integrate deeply with iOS features
- Granting access for notifications from iOS to appear on competing wearable devices
- Enabling faster data transfers and simpler device pairing with non-Apple hardware
Historically, Apple has reserved such integrations for products within its tightly controlled ecosystem, citing unified user experience and security as primary justifications.
Apple’s Position: Security, Privacy, and Compliance Challenges
In response to the Commission’s requirements, Apple claims that the new rules threaten the foundation of its product design, which relies on seamless hardware and software integration. According to a company spokesperson, "The EU's interoperability requirements threaten that foundation, while creating a process that is unreasonable, costly, and stifles innovation."
Apple’s central arguments are based on user privacy and security. The company has stated the DMA would require it to share sensitive information — such as notification contents and WiFi histories — with third parties, which "even Apple doesn't see." Furthermore, Apple claims that some companies are using the DMA’s language to seek data access beyond what is currently available even within Apple’s private ecosystem. The company also draws attention to potential conflicts with EU data protection rules (GDPR).
To comply with evolving requirements, Apple reportedly allocated 500 engineers to DMA-related projects and introduced a new developer portal for interoperability requests. These efforts highlight the complexity and resource investment involved in implementing mandated changes.
Regulatory Context and Industry Impact
Apple’s legal action marks the latest high-profile response to European digital market regulation. The DMA, in addition to interoperability rules, enforces app store "antisteering" requirements and sends strong signals to other large tech firms subject to its scope. Apple and the European Commission have consistently disagreed regarding the balance between competition and user safety. Previous regulatory battles over app distribution and in-app payment policies suggest that protracted appeals and incremental changes are likely.
Industry observers note that the DMA’s interoperability requirements represent a significant move away from Apple’s established walled garden approach — a strategy widely credited with fueling high customer retention and device security. European authorities, meanwhile, emphasize user choice and the ability to mix-and-match hardware across brands. Analysts suggest that should Apple's appeal be unsuccessful, third-party device manufacturers could gain deeper integration opportunities within the iOS ecosystem, potentially altering purchasing decisions for consumers and deployment strategies for developers.
Implications for Apple Users and Developers
For iOS users in the EU, the outcome of this legal battle may influence how seamlessly third-party wearables, headphones, and VR accessories integrate with Apple devices. If the DMA requirements are upheld, users could see broader compatibility between iPhones and non-Apple hardware, with features like native notification mirroring and cross-platform device setup becoming more commonplace. However, Apple’s stated privacy concerns indicate that any mandated expansion of access could also introduce new vectors for data sharing that were previously restricted.
Developers of accessories and companion apps may benefit from more direct access to iOS system features, potentially spurring innovation and competition in the device market. The specifics of what APIs and data will be shared — and under what technical and privacy safeguards — remain uncertain. Apple’s next steps and communications with developers are likely to shape rollout timelines and the extent of future interoperability.
What Comes Next?
The appeal process is underway, but the European Commission continues to press for compliance with DMA timelines. If Apple’s challenge is unsuccessful, the company could face fines or further regulatory action tied to non-compliance. Meanwhile, Apple’s investments in compliance infrastructure and its ongoing dialogue with both EU officials and developers indicate the company is preparing for multiple possible outcomes. The industry will be watching closely for legal clarifications and technical announcements as the situation develops.
The intersection of EU regulation, ecosystem strategy, and user expectations continues to redefine the boundaries of platform openness in Europe — with Apple’s DMA response at the center of this change.