New Delhi, 2026: Italy’s competition regulator has launched an investigation into Apple over allegations that the company may not be fully complying with interoperability requirements under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The probe focuses on whether Apple is providing third-party cloud service providers with the same level of access to key hardware and software components available to its own iCloud platform through iOS and iPadOS devices.
Under the Digital Markets Act, major technology companies designated as “gatekeepers” are required to ensure fair competition by allowing rival service providers to interact effectively with their platforms. The rules are intended to prevent dominant firms from giving their own services an unfair advantage over competitors.
According to the regulator, preliminary findings suggest that competing cloud service providers may not have access to the same system components and functionalities available to Apple’s iCloud service. This could potentially place third-party providers at a disadvantage when offering cloud-based services to consumers.
Apple has stated that it believes it is complying with the Digital Markets Act and remains prepared to engage with regulators regarding any concerns raised during the investigation. The company also indicated that issues related to iCloud interoperability had not previously been highlighted during discussions with European authorities.
The investigation marks the first case initiated by Italy’s competition watchdog under the Digital Markets Act. National regulators are empowered to conduct preliminary inquiries and share their findings with the European Commission, which oversees enforcement of the legislation across the European Union.
The outcome of the investigation could have broader implications for how major technology companies operate cloud services within the European market and may influence future enforcement actions under the DMA.
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