Apple loses legal fight over EU digital rules

Europe's second-highest court on Wednesday dismissed Apple's challenge against landmark EU rules labelling ​its app stores and operating system ‌iOS as gatekeepers subject to strict obligations.

"The General Court dismisses Apple's actions regarding its designation as a ​gatekeeper in relation to the App Store ​and iOS," the Luxembourg-based tribunal said.

It also ⁠said that Apple's actions regarding the iMessage ​service are inadmissible.

Apple took its grievances to ​the Luxembourg-based General Court in 2024 after the European Commission designated its five App Stores on iPhones, iPads, ​Mac computers, Apple TVs and Apple Watches ​as a single core platform service under the Digital Markets ‌Act ⁠subject to onerous obligations.

The iPhone maker also contested the labelling of its operating system iOS as an important gateway for businesses to ​reach users ​requiring it ⁠to allow rivals to inter-operate with the system.

Apple also disputed the designation ​of its messaging service iMessage as ​a ⁠number-independent interpersonal communications service (NIICS) which could put it under EU telecoms rules.

The cases are T-1079/23 ⁠Apple ​v Commission, T-1080/23 Apple v ​Commission and T-214/24 Apple and Apple Distribution International v Commission.

-Reuters