Apple’s iMessage Successfully Evades Strict Regulation in the EU
The European Commission has determined that Apple’s iMessage is not a “gatekeeper service” under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), sparing the company from significant alterations to its messaging platform. This decision also prevents Microsoft from having to make changes to Bing, Edge, and their online advertising service to comply with stringent regulations.
The European Commission carefully evaluated input from stakeholders and the Digital Markets Advisory Committee before concluding that these services do not meet the criteria for being classified as “gatekeeper services”. While Apple and Microsoft are still considered gatekeepers under the DMA, the Commission will continue to monitor for any notable changes in these services.
The DMA aims to foster competition and prevent market monopolies by large corporations. Designated gatekeepers must permit alternative app marketplaces, potentially affecting Apple’s control over the App Store ecosystem. However, Apple’s responses to these regulations have drawn criticism from other companies concerned about increased costs for developers.
The exemption granted to iMessage is noteworthy, with the European Commission citing its lower popularity compared to apps like WhatsApp, which is classified as a core gatekeeper service.
The future of app distribution and competition within the EU market will be shaped by these regulations. Apple and Microsoft will be under close scrutiny by the Commission for any changes that could impact their gatekeeper status under the DMA.
Analyst comment
Positive news. Apple’s iMessage has successfully avoided strict regulation in the EU. The market is expected to remain stable as Apple and Microsoft continue to be regarded as gatekeepers, with the Commission closely monitoring any changes. The exemption for iMessage is significant, but the impact on app distribution and competition in the EU market is uncertain.
