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        Apple's DMA Criticism Highlights Tech-Government Power Struggle

   Adam Engst

In a statement, [1]Apple writes:

     It's been more than a year since the Digital Markets Act was
     implemented. Over that time, it's become clear that the DMA is
     leading to a worse experience for Apple users in the EU. It's
     exposing them to new risks, and disrupting the simple, seamless way
     their Apple products work together. And as new technologies come
     out, our European users' Apple products will only fall further
     behind. '¦

     That's why we're urging regulators to take a closer look at how the
     law is affecting the EU citizens who use Apple products every day.
     We believe our users in Europe deserve the best experience on our
     technology, at the same standard we provide in the rest of the world
     ' and that's what we'll keep fighting to deliver.

   I struggle to offer constructive thoughts about Apple's battles with
   the EU over the Digital Markets Act, a competition law aimed at
   boosting interoperability and limiting gatekeeper control. At a high
   level, I believe both the European Commission (which is responsible for
   the DMA) and Apple believe that they have the best interests of their
   constituents at heart. However, the European Commission views itself as
   serving all residents of EU member countries, whereas Apple is focused
   on current or prospective Apple users in the EU. Neither side is likely
   acting in bad faith; they're advancing different, sometimes
   conflicting, mandates. As much as I believe Apple makes good products
   that serve its users well, what's best for Apple users (and thus Apple
   itself) isn't always best'or even good'for everyone else.

   Apple's claim of 'the same standard we provide in the rest of the
   world' rings somewhat hollow, given that it often adjusts its
   technology and services to comply with local laws. The company has made
   significant[2]concessions to operate in China,[3]doesn't offer FaceTime
   in the United Arab Emirates, and[4]removes apps from the
   still-functional Russian App Storeat the Russian government's request.
   Apple likely pushed back in less public ways in those countries, but in
   the EU, this public statement appears aimed at rallying its users and
   influencing the regulatory conversation.

   Ultimately, we're witnessing a clash between two immense power
   structures'the European Union, a democratic federation of 27 countries
   representing 450 million people and the world's third-largest
   economy'and Apple, one of the world's most influential and valuable
   companies, with a market capitalization of about $3.7 trillion and
   roughly $100 billion in net income over the past 12 months. As the
   power of the tech giants, whose products and services underpin the
   lives of billions, continues to increase, these conflicts will become
   more common, and it's often impossible to predict which side's vision
   will best serve everyone in practice.

References

   1. https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/09/the-digital-markets-acts-impacts-on-eu-users/
   2. https://archive.is/20250124190021/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/17/technology/apple-china-censorship-data.html
   3. https://support.apple.com/en-us/118609#:~:text=VoLTE4-,FaceTime%20isn%27t%20available%20in,this%20country%20or%20region.,-Might%20include%20an
   4. https://applecensorship.com/news/unveiling-the-extent-of-vpn-app-removals-by-apple-from-the-russia-app-store-an-analysis-of-silent-removals-and-the-need-for-transparency

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