17:07 - 8.07.2026

---

July 8, Fineko/abc.az. Apple has lost a legal battle with the European Union, regarding the rules of App Store and iOS operating system, as the General Court of the EU in Luxembourg has completely rejected the appeal of the technology giant.

The judges confirmed the status of App Store and iOS as "gatekeepers" (market mediators) under the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA), thereby legitimizing the inclusion of both services under the strict antitrust regulations of the regulators.

As part of this trial, Apple challenged three key points: the obligation to ensure the compatibility of third-party hardware with iPhone, inclusion of highly-profitable App Store within the strict regulation, and investigation into iMessage messenger, which was later exempted from these rules.

Despite Apple's claims of an "extremely heavy and intrusive burden" of the law during last year's hearings, the company still has the right to appeal the current decision to the EU's highest court.