The news: Apple is appealing the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) requirements, arguing that the rules could damage innovation, weaken security, and target the company unfairly. 

The appeal comes as the EU is compelling Apple to open iOS and iPadOS to third-party device interoperability. Apple calls the demands “deeply flawed” and says they could degrade user experience, per TechRepublic.

The EU’s objectives: Regulators want iOS to support more third-party devices, including smartwatches and earbuds. 

• The EU also wants Apple to open third-party access to iOS features like notifications, Wi-Fi auto-connect, AirPlay, AirDrop, NFC, and Bluetooth switching.
• Apple says user data privacy is at stake—a similar argument it used to block Meta’s multiple requests for device access and interoperability.

Our take: Apple’s legal challenge marks a pivotal moment in EU regulation of digital gatekeepers. If its appeal fails, developers and marketers may gain more freedom to bypass Apple’s walled garden, at least in the EU. 

Apple complying with DMA requirements opens opportunities for new consumer touchpoints but also raises fresh data privacy questions.

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