Apple has accused European regulators of unfairly targeting its closed ecosystem, claiming the EU blocks users from the “magical, innovative experience” that defines the company. “We face a serious threat in Europe,” Greg Joswiak said while unveiling Apple’s latest products and features. The company argues its integrated hardware and software ensure safety and quality, while EU officials say it excludes competitors and limits fair competition.
Long-standing dispute ends in major fine
Apple’s conflict with Brussels has lasted for years, peaking in April when the EU fined the company €500m for alleged anti-competitive behaviour in its App Store. The Digital Markets Act (DMA), passed in 2022 and enforced from 2024, targets major tech firms. For Apple, it requires iPhones to work with headphones from other brands, allow notifications from third-party smartwatches, and open AirDrop to non-Apple devices. “This benefits consumers,” said Sébastien Pant of BEUC, a coalition of consumer advocacy groups. He argued the law tackles Apple’s walled garden and expands choice in the digital market.
AirPods underline Apple’s defiance
Apple highlighted its innovation with AirPods Pro 3, launched in the US with “Live Translation,” offering real-time translations through the earphones. However, the product will not launch in Europe yet. Apple explained that the feature depends on AirPods and iPhone microphones working together, and adapting it for third-party devices would require extensive engineering to protect privacy, security, and integrity. “They want to take away the magic,” Joswiak said in Cupertino. “They want us to be like everyone else, not unique.”
Apple takes a louder stance
Apple has usually avoided public disputes with regulators but is now speaking out more forcefully, warning that EU rules harm users and developers. On Friday, the European Commission rejected Apple’s request to overturn most obligations to open its iPhone ecosystem. Last month, Apple also cautioned the UK’s competition authority against following Brussels’ approach, as the CMA moves to curb Apple and Google’s market dominance. “European regulators are creating a worse experience for citizens,” Joswiak said. “They undermine innovation, weaken privacy, and infringe intellectual property.”
Industry-wide repercussions
Apple has already delayed its Apple Intelligence rollout in Europe. Pant noted that other tech companies have also postponed product launches. Meta, parent of Instagram and WhatsApp, delayed the release of Threads in Europe for several months to comply with strict EU data regulations.
