Overview
- At a hearing in the EU General Court in Luxembourg, Apple argued the DMA imposes "hugely onerous and intrusive burdens" that conflict with EU protections for security, privacy, and property rights.
- The challenge targets three decisions: interoperability mandates for iPhone to work with rival hardware, the App Store’s designation under the DMA tied to a €500 million anti‑steering fine, and the Commission’s move to probe iMessage’s coverage.
- Apple contends forced interoperability with unknown devices would weaken iOS security, erode privacy safeguards, and compromise intellectual property.
- An EU Commission lawyer countered that Apple’s "absolute control" over the iPhone has produced "supernormal profits" and locked in more than a third of European smartphone users.
- The case, the most expansive U.S. tech challenge to the DMA after TikTok’s loss, could determine whether regulators can open iPhone technical layers, reshape App Store rules, or bring iMessage under the law.