Apple Attacks EU Crackdown in Digital Law’s Biggest Court Test

Core Argument - Apple Inc. is challenging the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), arguing that it imposes excessive burdens that conflict with its rights in the EU marketplace [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Challenge Details - Apple's lawyer claims the DMA imposes "onerous and intrusive burdens" that affect its operations in the EU [1]. - The company is contesting the law on three main fronts: interoperability obligations for rival hardware, the inclusion of its App Store under the DMA, and the investigation into iMessage [2][4][6]. - Apple argues that interoperability requirements could jeopardize user privacy, security, and intellectual property rights [4]. Group 2: Financial Implications - The App Store has faced a €500 million ($581 million) fine for alleged violations of the DMA, which Apple is challenging separately [5]. - Apple previously incurred a €1.8 billion penalty related to allowing developers to direct users to make purchases outside its store [8]. Group 3: Market Impact - The EU's actions against Big Tech have resulted in over €9.5 billion in fines against companies like Alphabet Inc. [9]. - Apple's control over the iPhone has allowed it to secure more than a third of European smartphone users, according to EU commission lawyer Paul-John Loewenthal [3].