Italian Regulator Probes Apple Over Potential Breach of EU Digital Markets Act
Italy's antitrust watchdog began an investigation into US-based Apple Inc. (APC.F) and its business units Apple Distribution International and Apple Italia for apparently not keeping alternative consumer cloud systems on "equal footing" with the company's own iCloud.Under the European Union's Digital Markets Act, Apple is obligated to offer third-party providers of consumer cloud services free and effective interoperability with the hardware and software features of its iOS and iPadOS operating systems, the Italian Competition Authority said Tuesday.However, third parties may not have access to the same features of the operating systems that are provided to iCloud, indicated the regulator, which is also known as AGCM. As an example of potential noncompliance with the DMA's interoperability rule, the AGCM elaborated that alternative cloud storage services are not allowed to perform a full backup of users' devices, unlike the technology company's iCloud."This marks the first time the Authority exercises its powers under Article 38(7) of the DMA, specifically conferred on it by Law 214 of 30 December 2023, the "2022 Annual Law on Pro-competitive Reforms" and, in particular, Article 18, "Measures for the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2022/1925 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 September 2022 on contestable and fair markets in the digital sector," the AGCM said.The investigation was launched in close cooperation with the European Commission, and the results will also be shared with the body, which acts as the sole DMA enforcer.The latest inquiry into Apple follows the imposition of a 98.6 million-euro fine in December 2025 over the company's abuse of its dominant position through its App Tracking Transparency policy. The ACGM has also investigated the tech giant multiple times over the past 15 years.Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment from. The company's Frankfurt-traded stock slipped marginally during early morning trading.
