Apple has been forced to make many regional changes to 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 impact of DMA on two key services: Apple Maps and Ads.
EU rules Apple Maps and Ads are not ‘gatekeepers’
Charlotte Van Campenhout writes at Reuters:
The European Commission said on Thursday that Apple’s Maps and Ads services would not be flagged as watchdogs under the EU’s digital markets law, citing their relatively low usage and limited market impact in Europe.
“The Commission concluded that Apple does not qualify as a gateway operator with respect to Apple Ads and Apple Maps because neither of these platform services represents 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 are pleased that the Commission has recognized that they do not meet the criteria for designation under the Digital Markets Act”
Most of the updates involving the EU and Apple have not been great news for the company. Apple’s adherence to DMA has been repeatedly questioned and questioned. But this is at least one win that can count lately.
Speaking of the EU, iOS 26.3 will introduce several new features and changes specifically for users in the region. This is part of Apple’s ongoing DMA compliance efforts.
Are you at all surprised by the EU decision regarding Apple Maps and Ads? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.
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