In a statement issued on Thursday, the European Commission said its assessment showed that neither Apple Maps nor Apple Ads functions as a critical gateway for businesses to access consumers in Europe. As a result, the services do not meet the threshold required for gatekeeper designation under the landmark competition law.
“The Commission has concluded that Apple does not qualify as a gatekeeper in relation to Apple Ads and Apple Maps,” the statement said, noting that both platforms have relatively low usage and limited market impact compared to rivals in the European market.
Apple welcomed the decision, stressing that both services operate in highly competitive environments across Europe. “These services face significant competition in Europe, and we're pleased the Commission recognized they do not meet the criteria for designation under the Digital Markets Act,” the company said.
The Digital Markets Act is one of the EU’s most far-reaching regulatory frameworks aimed at curbing the dominance of major technology firms. It seeks to promote fair competition by preventing large platforms from abusing market power and by making it easier for users and businesses to switch between competing services, including social media platforms, web browsers and app stores.
While Apple remains subject to DMA obligations for other core services already designated as gatekeepers, the Commission’s latest decision signals that not all products offered by major tech firms automatically fall within the scope of the regulation.