EU Court Rejects Apple’s Challenge To Digital Markets Act Interoperability Obligations

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has rejected Apple’s challenge to the interoperability obligations imposed under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), while also confirming the App Store’s designation as a core platform service.

The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE), which intervened in the case to defend the rights of developers and users, has described the ruling as a win for both groups.

What Apple challenged

Apple had brought the case (T-1080/23) against the European Commission on multiple fronts. The company challenged the interoperability obligations applicable to its mobile operating systems, the designation of the App Store as a core platform service and the original designation of its messaging service as a number-independent interpersonal communications service.

The FSFE intervened in the case to hold Apple accountable under the DMA in a developer-friendly way.

What the court decided

The Court found Apple’s challenge against the DMA’s interoperability obligations imposed on designated gatekeepers was inadmissible.

It also confirmed that the different versions of Apple’s App Store constitute a single core platform service, on the basis that they share the same purpose: connecting app developers with end users to facilitate the distribution of software applications.

For the FSFE, the ruling confirms the central role of interoperability and software distribution in the DMA’s regulation of Apple’s ecosystem.

What it means for developers and users

The judgment means developers and users will enjoy a less restrictive environment when it comes to accessing and distributing software in environments controlled by Apple. This includes unfettered software installation through sideloading and effective, free-of-charge interoperability between third-party software and Apple’s software and hardware controlled by Apple’s operating system.

Lucas Lasota, the FSFE’s Senior Programme Manager Legal, outlined the significance of the ruling.

“This ruling confirms what we have argued from the start: interoperability is not optional under the DMA, it is the law,” Lasota commented.

“Developers finally have legal certainty to build competitive alternatives to Apple’s ecosystem, and we remain committed to monitoring enforcement of today’s decision.”

Further litigation ahead

The FSFE has indicated it will closely monitor the implementation of the decision, starting with an in-depth analysis of the ruling that will be published on fsfe.org in the coming days.

Apple has initiated a separate legal challenge against the European Commission concerning the technical and procedural aspects of interoperability (T-359/25). The FSFE is also intervening in that second case, where it plans to again demonstrate to the court the importance of interoperability for fair digital markets.

The ruling adds to the growing body of DMA enforcement activity by the European Commission, which has designated a number of large technology companies as gatekeepers subject to obligations around interoperability, data portability and fair access to platforms.

Last Updated on July 8, 2026 by Nick Ross