EU Court Upholds Apple Gatekeeper Status Under DMA

Apple lost a major legal challenge on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, as the European Union's General Court upheld its designation as a "gatekeeper" under the bloc's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The ruling requires the company to continue opening its App Store and iPhone operating system to greater competition from rival apps and services.

The court dismissed Apple's argument that its five separate app stores for iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, Apple TVs, and Apple Watches should be treated as distinct platforms. Judges found they collectively function as a single core platform service because they all connect developers with end users to distribute software applications. The court also declared Apple's separate legal actions regarding its iMessage service inadmissible, noting that the messaging platform has not been formally designated as an important gateway subject to DMA obligations.

In a statement, an Apple spokesperson criticized the DMA, saying its mandate threatens to erode decades of privacy and security protections and leaves users vulnerable to new risks. The company said it would continue advocating for the innovation and privacy its European customers deserve.