Overview
- The EU General Court dismissed Apple’s challenges on Wednesday and confirmed that the App Store and iOS are designated gatekeeper services under the Digital Markets Act.
- The court rejected Apple’s argument that its five device‑specific app stores are separate services, finding they all serve the single purpose of connecting developers with end users.
- Judges ruled Apple’s challenge over iMessage inadmissible because iMessage was not formally designated as an ‘important gateway’ and so DMA obligations do not apply to it now.
- As a designated gatekeeper, Apple must enable alternative app marketplaces on iOS and allow third‑party payment systems, obligations that carry fines of up to 10 percent of global turnover for breaches.
- Apple may appeal points of law to the Court of Justice of the European Union while related cases over interoperability rules and past fines, plus potential collective damages claims in the Netherlands, remain pending.