Italy opens first DMA probe into Apple over iCloud access
Regulation, Cloud Services, DMA
Negative
Italy's competition authority has opened a formal investigation into Apple under the European Union's Digital Markets Act, examining whether the company provides rival cloud storage providers with the same level of access to iOS and iPadOS system features that it grants its own iCloud service.
The probe focuses on whether Apple's practices disadvantage third-party cloud providers by limiting their ability to integrate with core iPhone and iPad functionality, a potential breach of DMA obligations requiring gatekeepers to offer equal access conditions to competing services.
Why it matters
A finding against Apple could force material changes to how iCloud is integrated within iOS and iPadOS, potentially affecting a key revenue stream within Apple's high-margin Services segment. It also signals growing regulatory scrutiny of Apple's platform practices across EU member states.
Key facts
Italy's regulator has opened a formal DMA investigation into Apple • The probe concerns whether rival cloud providers receive equal access to iOS and iPadOS features • Apple's own iCloud service is the benchmark against which third-party access is being measured • This represents one of the first national DMA investigations targeting Apple's cloud ecosystem