The European Union's General Court on Wednesday dismissed Apple's challenge against its designation as a gatekeeper under the bloc's Digital Markets Act (DMA), upholding the European Commission's decision covering the App Store and iOS.
In its ruling, the Luxembourg-based court said it dismissed Apple's actions regarding its designation as a gatekeeper for the App Store and iOS.
The court also ruled that Apple's challenge concerning its iMessage service was inadmissible.
Apple had approached the General Court in 2024 after the European Commission designated its five App Stores across iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, Apple TVs and Apple Watches as a single core platform service under the Digital Markets Act.
The company had argued against the designation of its iOS operating system as an important gateway for businesses to reach users. Under the DMA, the designation requires Apple to comply with obligations including allowing greater interoperability with competing services.
Apple also challenged the classification of its iMessage platform as a number-independent interpersonal communications service, a designation that could subject it to additional European Union telecommunications rules.
The cases are registered as T-1079/23, T-1080/23 and T-214/24.