Apple has challenged the EU tech rules that classify its five App Stores as a single core platform service. The iPhone maker argues that EU regulators have misinterpreted and misapplied the legislation, which came into effect in May last year. Apple has previously challenged the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in November.
One of the key points of contention is the characterization of Apple’s operating system iOS as an important gateway for business users. Apple disputes this, along with the associated interoperability obligation.
In its plea to the Luxembourg-based General Court, Apple stated that the European Commission had made “material factual errors” in concluding that the five App Stores are a single core platform service.
Apple has five App Stores
Apple operates five App Stores for different devices, including for iPhones, iPads, Mac PCs, Apple TVs and Apple Watches. Each store is designed to distribute apps specific to the corresponding operating system and device.
The DMA requirements that would affect Apple include allowing third parties to interoperate with its services and enabling business users to promote their offers and conclude contracts outside of Apple’s platform.
Apple’s iMessage issue
Apple’s lawsuit also raises concerns about the Commission’s classification of its messaging service iMessage as a number-independent interpersonal communications service (NIICS). This designation prompted an EU investigation into whether Apple should comply with DMA rules.
The company argues that iMessage is not a NIICS since it is not a fee-based service and it does not generate revenue through the sale of hardware devices or the processing of personal data.
Last month, a report by Bloomberg reported that Apple may not have to make iMessage interoperable, which means that it won’t have to work with other services such as WhatsApp.
Notably, Apple has also announced that it will adopt Rich Messaging Service (RCS) that will allow Android users to send high-resolution photos and videos, however, their messages will still be displayed in green bubbles.
One of the key points of contention is the characterization of Apple’s operating system iOS as an important gateway for business users. Apple disputes this, along with the associated interoperability obligation.
In its plea to the Luxembourg-based General Court, Apple stated that the European Commission had made “material factual errors” in concluding that the five App Stores are a single core platform service.
Apple has five App Stores
Apple operates five App Stores for different devices, including for iPhones, iPads, Mac PCs, Apple TVs and Apple Watches. Each store is designed to distribute apps specific to the corresponding operating system and device.
The DMA requirements that would affect Apple include allowing third parties to interoperate with its services and enabling business users to promote their offers and conclude contracts outside of Apple’s platform.
Apple’s iMessage issue
Apple’s lawsuit also raises concerns about the Commission’s classification of its messaging service iMessage as a number-independent interpersonal communications service (NIICS). This designation prompted an EU investigation into whether Apple should comply with DMA rules.
The company argues that iMessage is not a NIICS since it is not a fee-based service and it does not generate revenue through the sale of hardware devices or the processing of personal data.
Last month, a report by Bloomberg reported that Apple may not have to make iMessage interoperable, which means that it won’t have to work with other services such as WhatsApp.
Notably, Apple has also announced that it will adopt Rich Messaging Service (RCS) that will allow Android users to send high-resolution photos and videos, however, their messages will still be displayed in green bubbles.
