EU · ongoing · ~9 min read
DMA gatekeeper compliance (Apple / Google)
2024–present · mobile operating systems, app distribution, general search, messaging interoperability
Europe's Digital Markets Act tells the biggest tech platforms—gatekeepers like Apple and Google—what they must do up front: choice screens, alternative app stores, fair messaging links, and more. Early compliance updates drew complaints that new fees and scary pop-ups discourage real competition. EU regulators opened investigations, but no final penalties have been decided—this is an ongoing regulatory story, not a finished court case.
The story
Traditional antitrust cases take years. The DMA imposes duties on designated gatekeepers before a full abuse trial.
Apple enabled alternative app marketplaces and link-outs in the EU while charging core technology fees critics call anticompetitive.
Google adjusted default search and browser choice on Android; rivals said some flows still favor Google services.
The Commission's non-compliance probes will test whether DMA delivers practical choice or paper compliance—outcomes remain open.
Why it matters
Ex ante regulation may change phones faster than lawsuits—but only if enforcement bites.
Developers and small businesses gain new rights on paper; real economics depend on fee levels and UX friction.
US and other regions watch EU DMA experiments for their own digital competition bills.
What was claimed
Apple's EU app distribution changes do not meet DMA effective access requirements.
Google's choice architecture may still self-preference search and Play services.
Gatekeepers must not use new charges to neutralize DMA benefits.
The other side
Apple says its EU changes comply while protecting user security.
Google argues it implemented choice screens and billing options in good faith.
Both companies warn heavy-handed fixes could harm European users and developers.
What it means for you
EU iPhone and Android users may see more setup choices—quality varies by update.
App developers might pay new platform fees even when avoiding the main store.
Final Commission decisions could reshape mobile software economics—watch ongoing probes.
Bottom line
DMA Apple/Google compliance is live EU regulation under investigation—promising more platform openness, but with contested implementation and no final non-compliance rulings yet.
Timeline
2022–2023
DMA becomes law
EU created ex ante rules for the largest platforms, beyond traditional case-by-case antitrust.
March 2024
Compliance day
Apple published alternative app store rules in EU; Google adjusted search and Android choice screens.
2024–ongoing
Skepticism and probes
Developers criticized fees and scary warning screens; Commission opened investigations into Apple and Google compliance.
Key dates
- Gatekeepers designated
- September 2023
- Core DMA obligations effective
- March 7, 2024
- Non-compliance investigations opened
- March–June 2024
Formal snapshot
Summary: EU Digital Markets Act gatekeeper duties require Apple and Google to open interoperability, choice screens, sideloading, and fair access; Commission opened non-compliance investigations in 2024 over alleged friction and fees undermining DMA goals.
Regulator / plaintiff argument: Designated gatekeepers must not circumvent DMA obligations through confusing flows, continuing self-preferencing, or new fees that deter alternative app stores and default services.
Outcome: The Commission has issued DMA non-compliance decisions, including Apple's €500 million steering fine and Meta's €200 million pay-or-consent fine in April 2025. On 8 July 2026 the General Court dismissed Apple's challenge to its App Store and iOS gatekeeper designation. Other DMA files remain open.
Remedies: If violations found: orders to effective compliance, periodic penalties, possible structural remedies under DMA framework.
Conduct tags
Laws referenced
- Digital Markets Act — Reg. (EU) 2022/1925
- TFEU Article 102 — Art. 102 TFEU
Companies
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