Apple has raised concerns that proposed UK regulations by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) could delay or limit features for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, drawing parallels to restrictions caused by the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The rules, part of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC), aim to foster competition but may impact user experience, Apple warns.
CMA's Regulatory Framework & Apple's Response
In July 2025, the CMA labeled Apple and Google as holding "strategic market status" due to their dominance over 90-100% of UK mobile devices.
The DMCC proposes requiring Apple to allow third-party app stores, alternative payment systems, and enhanced interoperability for devices like digital wallets and smartwatches.
Apple argues these mandates could compromise user privacy, security, and innovation, potentially leading to delayed or withheld features, as seen in the EU.
Lessons from EU's Digital Markets Act
The EU's DMA has already forced Apple to delay features like Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring, and Visited Places in Apple Maps.
Apple Intelligence, launched globally in September 2024, was postponed in the EU until March 2025 due to compliance challenges.
Apple cautions that similar UK rules could disrupt feature rollouts, citing engineering burdens and risks from opening its ecosystem to third parties.
Features at Risk in the UK
While no UK-specific delays are confirmed, features like Apple Intelligence enhancements, iPhone Mirroring, Live Activities in macOS Sequoia, and Visited Places in Apple Maps could face restrictions.
These delays could create a fragmented user experience, with UK consumers potentially waiting months for features available elsewhere.
The CMA maintains that its targeted rules will support UK developers without compromising security.
Impact of UK Data Privacy Laws
UK data privacy laws, aligned with GDPR, emphasize stringent data protection, affecting data-heavy features like Apple Intelligence.
Apple's on-device processing aims to meet these standards, but third-party data access demands could delay rollouts.
A recent victory, where Apple resisted a UK government push for an iCloud encryption backdoor, underscores ongoing privacy tensions.
Apple's Strategy & User Reactions
Apple is actively engaging with the CMA, which will finalize its rules by October 22, 2025.
The company has warned of "serious consequences" for users and developers, highlighting over 100 EU data access requests as evidence of regulatory overreach.
UK users express mixed sentiments: some praise Apple's privacy stance, while others are frustrated about potential feature delays.
Developers may benefit from lower App Store commissions but face risks if features are limited.
Navigating Regulatory Challenges
Apple's approach includes public warnings, compliance adjustments like EU-style app notarization, and prioritizing launches in less-regulated markets.
The CMA insists its rules are distinct, focusing on specific interoperability to boost UK innovation, but Apple remains wary, advocating for balanced regulations to avoid EU-style disruptions.
Editor's Comments
The clash between Apple and the CMA reflects a global struggle to balance competition with technological innovation.
Apple's concerns about feature delays are grounded in its EU experience, where compliance has visibly impacted users.
The CMA's tailored approach may reduce some risks, but the potential for delayed features like Apple Intelligence could frustrate UK consumers and harm Apple's brand perception.
If negotiations yield a balanced framework, the UK could model effective regulation; otherwise, users may face a fragmented experience.
The outcome, expected by October 2025, will shape the future of tech regulation in the UK.
FAQs
1. What is causing Apple's feature delay warnings in the UK?
Proposed CMA regulations under the DMCC, requiring third-party app stores and interoperability, may compromise privacy and delay features, Apple warns.
2. Which Apple features could be delayed in the UK?
Features like Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring, Live Activities, and Visited Places in Apple Maps are at risk, based on EU delays.
3. How do UK regulations differ from the EU's DMA?
The CMA’s rules are narrower, targeting specific areas like digital wallets, but Apple fears similar feature delays as in the EU.
4. How do UK privacy laws impact Apple's features?
Strict UK data privacy laws may delay data-intensive features like Apple Intelligence due to compliance with GDPR-like standards.
5. What is Apple's response to the CMA's rules?
Apple is engaging with the CMA, warning of user and developer impacts, and advocating for balanced regulations.
6. When will the CMA finalize its regulations?
The CMA will finalize its decisions by October 22, 2025.
7. How are UK users reacting to potential delays?
On social platforms, such as Twitter, some users support Apple's privacy stance, while others are concerned about missing out on new features.
8. Could UK developers benefit from these rules?
Developers may gain from alternative payment options, but feature restrictions could limit app functionality.
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