EU · appealed · ~6 min read
EU Apple iOS interoperability appeals
2024–present · mobile operating systems, interoperability
Apple is still in court over how far it must open iOS to rivals under Europe's Digital Markets Act. The fight is about specification decisions, not about whether Apple is a gatekeeper — that designation challenge failed in July 2026.
The story
The DMA does not only ban conduct. The Commission can specify the technical access a gatekeeper must provide.
Apple appealed those specifications. While that appeal is pending, deadlines on particular features still exist. One publicly discussed date is 1 June 2027.
On 8 July 2026 the General Court rejected Apple's separate attempt to escape gatekeeper status for the App Store and iOS. Interoperability details remain their own case.
Why it matters
Accessory and app makers in Europe need the specification, not a press release.
A win for Apple narrows what 'interoperable' means. A loss forces the access.
What was claimed
Apple says the specifications go beyond the DMA and are unworkable.
The Commission says they are what the statute already requires.
The other side
Apple's position is that mandated access harms security and that the Commission is designing the product.
What it means for you
EU iPhone features may open on a feature-by-feature calendar.
US phones are not covered by these decisions.
Bottom line
Apple's EU interoperability appeals are live. Gatekeeper status itself was upheld in July 2026. Feature deadlines run into 2027.
Timeline
2025
Apple appeals the specifications
Apple challenged Commission decisions that spell out iOS interoperability, separate from the €500 million steering fine.
July 2026
Designation challenge fails
The General Court dismissed Apple's attack on being a gatekeeper for the App Store and iOS. That does not decide the specification appeals.
Key dates
- Specification proceedings
- 2024–2025
- Gatekeeper appeal dismissed
- 8 July 2026
- A feature deadline
- 1 June 2027
Formal snapshot
Summary: The Commission specified how Apple must open iOS features to rivals under the Digital Markets Act. Apple appealed those specification proceedings. One compliance deadline on the public record runs to June 2027.
Regulator / plaintiff argument: DMA interoperability duties mean rivals get access to iOS functions on a timetable the Commission can specify. Apple's implementation, the Commission has said in related files, is not a voluntary extra.
Outcome: Apple's appeals of specification proceedings DMA.100203 and DMA.100204 were still pending as of September 2026. A published account of the docket said one per-feature deadline remains 1 June 2027. The General Court separately dismissed Apple's challenge to its gatekeeper designation on 8 July 2026.
Conduct tags
Laws referenced
- Digital Markets Act — Reg. (EU) 2022/1925
Companies
Sources
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