Apple: "Undermining User Experience, Exposing Security Risks"
AirPods Translation Feature Delayed in Europe
Apple Voices Discontent Over DMA Rules Targeting Only Apple
Apple has called on the European Union (EU) to abolish the Digital Markets Act (DMA), arguing that it is unfair because its competitor, Samsung Electronics, is exempt from the regulation.
According to the British daily The Guardian and Euractiv on the 25th (local time), Apple submitted a statement to the EU Commission's public consultation process on the DMA, which closed the previous day, claiming that "the DMA undermines the Apple user experience and exposes users to security risks."
Apple also provided specific examples. The company stated that the real-time translation feature of AirPods faced delays in its European launch, and the 'mirroring' function, which allows iPhone screens to be displayed on laptops or TVs, could not be offered due to DMA regulations.
Apple further argued that the DMA, by mandating interoperability with external devices such as competitors' earphones, could lead to privacy violations, as rival companies may gain access to information from users' conversations.
Apple emphasized, "If the Apple Watch, which was launched about 10 years ago, had been subject to the DMA as it is now, it might not have been released in the EU," adding that the law should be abolished or at least replaced by a more appropriate system.
Apple claimed that unfair competition is occurring because Samsung Electronics, the largest smartphone supplier in Europe, is not subject to the DMA. In a separate statement posted on its website to coincide with the EU's consultation deadline, Apple pointed out, "Samsung is the leader in the European smartphone market and Chinese companies are growing rapidly, yet the DMA regulations apply only to Apple."
Apple continued, "Apple has led the way in building a unique and innovative ecosystem to benefit users worldwide, and other companies have imitated this," adding, "However, the DMA not only fails to reward such innovation but also targets only Apple."
The Digital Markets Act (DMA), which was fully implemented in March last year, is a system that designates companies above a certain size as 'gatekeepers' and imposes special regulations to prevent the abuse of market dominance by major platform operators. Violations can result in fines of up to 10% of global revenue. Currently, seven companies, including Apple, have been designated as gatekeepers, five of which are American firms.
When the EU Commission announced the gatekeeper list in September 2023, it excluded Samsung Electronics, stating there was "sufficiently justified reason" that the company did not meet the requirements. However, at the time, the Commission left open the possibility of adding more platforms or services to the regulatory scope.
Apple has expressed dissatisfaction with the DMA since its early implementation. In April, when the EU fined Apple 500 million euros (about 800 billion won) for allegedly violating the DMA with its App Store policies, the company filed a legal challenge.
In particular, as the Donald Trump administration's second term has vowed to "retaliate" against digital regulations targeting American companies, Apple, Meta, and others have voiced even stronger complaints against the EU.
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