Core Points - The European Union's antitrust regulators are evaluating whether Apple's advertising service Apple Ads and mapping service Apple Maps should be subject to the strict regulations of the EU's Digital Markets Act after meeting key criteria [1] - Apple argues that its services should be exempt from these regulations, claiming that Apple Ads is not a major player in the EU online advertising market compared to competitors like Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok, and X [2] - The EU Commission has stated that Apple has officially reported that its advertising and mapping services meet two criteria of the Digital Markets Act: having over 45 million monthly active users and a market capitalization of €75 billion (approximately $79 billion) [1] Summary by Sections Regulatory Evaluation - The EU will make a final decision within 45 working days on whether to classify Apple Ads and Apple Maps as "gatekeepers" under the Digital Markets Act [1] - If classified as gatekeepers, Apple will need to comply with a series of mandatory obligations and prohibitions within six months [1] Apple's Position - Apple has submitted a formal rebuttal to the EU, emphasizing that Apple Ads has a significantly lower market share in the EU compared to its competitors [2] - For Apple Maps, Apple claims its usage in the EU is much lower than that of Google Maps and Waze, and it does not serve as a key intermediary connecting business users with end users [2]

Core Viewpoint - Apple has expressed concerns regarding the negative impacts of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) on its users in the region, including a decline in user experience and increased privacy risks, urging the EU Commission to reassess the implications of the DMA on Apple product users in Europe [1][4][5]. Group 1: DMA Overview - The DMA, effective from March 2024, aims to curb the monopolistic practices of tech giants and ensure more consumer choices [3]. - Companies designated as "gatekeepers," including Apple, are required to comply with specific obligations under the DMA, such as allowing users to install third-party app stores and switch between different application services [3][4]. Group 2: Apple's Opposition to DMA - Apple argues that the DMA forces it to alter product designs and delivery methods, resulting in a diminished user experience for downloading apps and making payments [4][5]. - The company highlights that the DMA's requirements lead to delays in launching new features for EU users, impacting functionalities like AirPods translation and iPhone mirroring [4][5]. Group 3: Security and Privacy Concerns - Apple warns that the DMA may expose EU users to greater risks when downloading apps and using external payment systems, which may not meet the security standards of the App Store [5]. - The act allows other companies to access sensitive user data, raising privacy concerns as businesses can track users' personal information and activities [5]. Group 4: Apple's Call for Reevaluation - Apple emphasizes that the DMA has not fulfilled its promise of promoting competition and has instead led to a decline in user experience and increased risks [5]. - The company has previously communicated these concerns to the EU Commission without receiving acknowledgment and is now urging a reevaluation of the DMA's impact on users [5].