Italy opens first national DMA probe into Apple's iCloud

Italy opens first national DMA probe into Apple’s iCloud

Italy's AGCM launched the first national probe under the EU's Digital Markets Act, targeting Apple over iCloud interoperability on iOS and iPadOS.macrumors+1
The regulator said Apple appears to block rival cloud providers from using full device backup features reserved exclusively for iCloud.advanced-television+1
Findings will be shared with the European Commission, the DMA's sole enforcer, potentially setting a precedent for national enforcement across the EU.mlex+1

Italy's Competition Authority (AGCM) on Tuesday launched an investigation into Apple over its compliance with the European Union's Digital Markets Act, marking the first time the Italian watchdog has opened a probe under the bloc's landmark big tech rulebook.advanced-television+2

Backup Access at the Core

The investigation targets Apple Inc., Apple Distribution International Ltd., and Apple Italia S.r.l., and centers on whether third-party cloud service providers are being denied equal access to iOS and iPadOS features available to Apple's own iCloud service. Under Article 6(7) of the DMA, Apple must ensure rival cloud providers can interoperate effectively and free of charge with its mobile operating systems, with access to the same hardware and software features as iCloud.cinquewnews.blogspot+2

The AGCM said it has indications that competing cloud services "may not be placed on an equal footing as Apple's iCloud," specifically pointing to Apple's refusal to allow alternative providers to use iOS and iPadOS features that enable users to perform a full backup of their device data — a capability reserved for iCloud.macrumors+2

First National DMA Probe

The investigation is the first opened by a national competition authority under the DMA framework, which allows member state regulators to conduct preliminary investigations in support of the European Commission, the sole enforcer of the regulation. The AGCM said its findings will be shared with the Commission to support its enforcement role.mlex+4

The probe adds to Apple's growing regulatory challenges in Europe. The company was hit with a nearly €100 million penalty from the same Italian authority months earlier. The DMA, which took full effect in 2024, designates Apple's iOS and iPadOS as "core platform services" subject to interoperability and fair access obligations for third-party developers and service providers.advanced-television+2

Broader Implications

The case could set a precedent for how national authorities across the EU assist the Commission in policing DMA compliance, particularly around cloud service interoperability — a domain where Apple's integrated ecosystem has long given iCloud a built-in advantage over rivals.linkedin+1

Sources (12)