Apple has challenged aspects of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) legislation, voicing concerns regarding user privacy. The corporation is disputing interoperability mandates that require the sharing of data, such as notification content and WiFi connections, with external parties. Apple contends that the DMA, in its current form, may permit outside entities to access personal data that even Apple cannot access, as these functionalities are handled on-device and stored in an encrypted manner.
The DMA does not enforce the same privacy and security protocols on third-party agents who would receive access to this information, raising substantial privacy issues for Apple. The company highlighted similar concerns earlier this year when the EU mandated the establishment of interoperability standards.
In March, the EU revealed a schedule for sharing iOS notifications, targeting a beta rollout by the end of 2025 and a full launch by June 2026. Moreover, the enabling of automatic WiFi network connectivity to external devices is also expected to adhere to this timeline.
Firms such as Meta, Garmin, and Spotify have claimed that limiting access to user notifications and device settings creates competitive hurdles, hindering them from providing experiences akin to Apple’s cohesive devices like the Apple Watch and AirPods.
The deadline for Apple’s appeal was at the close of May, and the EU’s conclusive decision is awaited in the upcoming months. If the original ruling stays in place, Apple is likely to roll out initial support for these interoperability features in an update to iOS 19 (or possibly iOS 26) by year’s end.
