Apple blames EUs Digital Markets Act for feature delays

Published: Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 1:02 pm

Apple Blames EU Regulations for Feature Delays

Apple has publicly criticized the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), blaming the regulation for delaying the rollout of several new features for its European customers. The tech giant claims the DMA, which aims to curb anti-competitive practices by major tech platforms, is forcing it to compromise on user experience and potentially expose users to increased risks.

The DMA, in effect for three years, mandates interoperability between platforms, allowing users to switch more easily and move data between devices and apps. Apple argues that complying with these requirements, specifically the need to make its proprietary apps and features compatible with third-party hardware and software, is proving challenging. The company says it is struggling to find a way to do so without compromising user data and privacy.

Specifically, Apple cites delays for features such as live translation for AirPods, iPhone mirroring on Macs, and the visited places and preferred routes feature on Maps. The company suggests this list may grow. Apple has also stated that it has proposed changes to these features to protect user data, but these proposals have been rejected by the European Commission. Apple claims that the DMA prevents it from releasing these features to its users until they are available on other companies' products, or it will face fines and potential product bans.

This announcement follows a recent fine of over $550 million levied against Apple by the EU for breaching the DMA regarding app developers' payment processing. Apple has appealed this decision. The company also expresses concerns that the DMA's provisions, such as allowing third-party app stores and payment mechanisms, increase the risk of scams, malware, and fraud for its users. Apple contends that the DMA is leading to a worse experience for its European customers, disrupting the seamless integration of its products and potentially causing them to fall behind in technological advancements.

BNN's Perspective:

While Apple's concerns about user privacy and security are valid, the EU's DMA aims to foster competition and give consumers more choice. Finding a balance between these competing interests is crucial. The EU should consider Apple's concerns, but also ensure that the DMA's core principles are upheld to prevent the dominance of a single tech giant.

Keywords: Apple, EU, Digital Markets Act, DMA, feature delays, interoperability, privacy, user data, European Commission, anti-competitive behavior, AirPods, iPhone, Maps, third-party apps, malware, fraud, regulation, technology

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