Apple has been forced to make a lot of region-specific changes to the iPhone and iOS in the EU due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). But the company just received good news from the EU commission regarding the DMA’s impact on two key services: Apple Maps and Ads.
EU rules that Apple Maps and Ads are not ‘gatekeepers’
Charlotte Van Campenhout writes at Reuters:
The European Commission said on Thursday Apple’s Maps and Ads services will not be designated as gatekeepers under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, citing their relatively low usage and limited market impact in Europe.
“The Commission has concluded that Apple does not qualify as a gatekeeper in relation to Apple Ads and Apple Maps, as neither of these platform services constitute an important gateway for business users to reach end users,” it said in a statement.
Apple welcomed the decision and responded with its own statement, per Reuters:
“These services face significant competition in Europe, and we’re pleased the Commission recognized they do not meet the criteria for designation under the Digital Markets Act”
Most updates involving the EU and Apple have not been great news for the company. Apple’s compliance with the DMA has been repeatedly questioned and challenged. But this is at least one win it can count of late.
Speaking of the EU, iOS 26.3 will introduce several new features and changes specifically for users in that region. That’s part of Apple’s ongoing efforts toward DMA compliance.
Does the EU ruling about Apple Maps and Ads surprise you at all? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.
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