Apple’s conflict with the European Union is intensifying. On Friday, Apple confirmed it wouldn’t be releasing several new features to EU users due to “regulatory uncertainties brought about by the Digital Markets Act (DMA).” In a statement, Apple said:

“We do not believe that we will be able to roll out three of these features – iPhone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements, and Apple Intelligence – to our EU users this year.

Specifically, we are concerned that the interoperability requirements of the DMA could force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that risk user privacy and data security. We are committed to collaborating with the European Commission in an attempt to find a solution that would enable us to deliver these features to our EU customers without compromising their safety.”

This statement can be interpreted in different ways. If you believe the EU’s regulation is overly restrictive, protectionist, and unclear, then Apple’s cautious approach makes sense. By limiting product launches to uncontroversial features, Apple aims to avoid potential multibillion-euro fines.

Conversely, if you see Apple’s reaction as one of defiant compliance, outraged by an authority it perceives as less legitimate than its own, then this move could be viewed as an attempt to deter other governments from adopting similar regulations.

The EU, however, is not backing down. On Monday, it announced plans to sue Apple for noncompliance:

“In preliminary findings, against which Apple can appeal, the European Commission said it believed its rules of engagement did not comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) “as they prevent app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content”.

Additionally, the commission has opened a new non-compliance procedure against Apple over concerns that its new contract terms for third-party app developers also fall short of the DMA’s requirements.”

For the EU, the principle is straightforward: if a European customer wants to do business with a European company, no external entity should hinder that market’s operation. This aligns closely with the founding ideals of the bloc.

However, this isn’t exactly what the DMA states, which is where the conflict arises. Apple aims to adhere strictly to the law while maintaining control over its platforms, whereas the EU seeks to interpret the law to facilitate smooth commerce. The outcome of this legal battle remains uncertain, but it’s clear that the appeals process is just beginning.