Apple is contesting the European Union’s tech regulations categorizing its five App Stores as a unified core platform service, subject to extensive obligations. The tech giant asserts that EU regulators have misinterpreted and misapplied the legislation in effect since May. Apple specifically challenges the characterization of its iOS operating system as a crucial gateway for business users and the associated interoperability obligations. While Apple previously contested the Digital Markets Act (DMA) without providing details in November, it now argues that the European Commission made factual errors in concluding that its five App Stores constitute a single core platform service. According to Apple, each App Store on iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, Apple TVs, and Apple Watches is distinct, serving a specific operating system and device. Compliance with DMA requirements would necessitate allowing third-party interoperability and enabling business users to promote offers and finalize contracts outside Apple’s platform. The lawsuit also challenges the Commission’s classification of Apple’s iMessage as a number-independent interpersonal communications service (NIICS), triggering an EU investigation into DMA compliance. Apple contends that iMessage doesn’t qualify as a NIICS since it’s not a fee-based service and doesn’t generate revenue through hardware sales or personal data processing.
Apple rejects EU laws that designate its five App Stores as a single service
