Apple Loses EU Court Battle Over iOS and App Store Gatekeeper Status

On July 8, 2026, the General Court of the European Union rejected Apple’s legal challenge to maintain control over iOS and the App Store, upholding the European Commission’s 2023 decision that designated the company as a “gatekeeper” under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple had argued that the App Stores for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other devices should be considered separate services due to different hardware and usage patterns. However, the court ruled that all five stores serve the same function—connecting developers with customers and distributing apps—and that device differences were insufficient to treat them separately. Apple also disputed the classification of iMessage, but the court found that since iMessage was never placed under stricter DMA requirements, its classification had no legal effect. The decision leaves Apple subject to DMA obligations that could compel it to open iOS to rival services, including alternative app stores, payment systems, and deeper integration with third-party products.

Apple can still appeal to the EU Court of Justice, but only on questions of law. A company spokesperson argued that the DMA requirements go beyond what is “lawful and proportionate” and could leave users “vulnerable to new risks” by weakening privacy and security protections. One dispute remains unresolved: the court did not decide whether specific DMA requirements for iOS interoperability go too far, because Apple targeted the wrong legal decision. A separate challenge is possible if the Commission issues a detailed order specifying required changes. For European iPhone users and developers, the ruling means regulators can continue setting terms for how third-party services work with iOS. Developers serving EU customers now have a firmer legal foundation to plan around the DMA, but actual changes will depend on fees, technical restrictions, and whether the Commission enforces specific interoperability mandates. The outcome could significantly reshape app distribution and competition in the EU, with potential ripple effects globally.