Italy Opens DMA Probe into Apple’s iOS Cloud Interoperability
AAPL•Italy’s Competition Authority is investigating Apple Distribution International and Apple Italia over potential breaches of the Digital Markets Act’s cloud interoperability rules. The regulator will examine if third-party cloud services receive equal iOS and iPadOS access and functionalities compared with Apple’s iCloud.
1. Scope of the Investigation
Italy’s Competition Authority has launched a formal inquiry into Apple Distribution International and Apple Italia, focusing on whether Apple’s cloud services framework grants its own iCloud offerings preferential treatment over third-party providers.
2. Digital Markets Act Requirements
Under the DMA, gatekeepers must provide free and effective access to hardware and software functionalities. The probe will assess if Apple limits interoperability on iOS and iPadOS, potentially disadvantaging rival cloud platforms.
3. Potential Impact on Apple
A finding of non-compliance could lead to fines up to 10% of global turnover and mandated technical changes. Any enforced interoperability could alter Apple’s control over its ecosystem and affect iCloud’s competitive position.
