Italy's competition authority has opened a formal investigation into Apple, marking a historic precedent in the enforcement of the European Digital Markets Act. The probe focuses on the iCloud storage system and the alleged failure to comply with interoperability obligations under the regulation. For the first time, a national regulator uses the new powers granted by the DMA to launch a preliminary proceeding against one of the Silicon Valley giants. The decision, announced today, could redefine the balance of power between big tech and European authorities.
The Allegations by the Authority
According to the statement released by Italy's Competition and Market Authority, Apple does not allow third-party consumer cloud service providers to access the same software features reserved for iCloud. Specifically, iOS and iPadOS restrict alternative services from performing a full backup of device data. This means that a user wishing to switch cloud providers faces insurmountable technical barriers, effectively being locked into the Apple ecosystem. European law requires so-called "gatekeeper" platforms to ensure fair, free, and non-discriminatory access to system features for all competitors. Apple's failure to align with these provisions is at the heart of the investigation.
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The Digital Markets Act Framework
The Digital Markets Act represents the European Union's most ambitious attempt to regulate the market power of large digital platforms. Enforced since 2023, the DMA imposes a set of obligations on companies designated as "gatekeepers," namely firms with high turnover, a large user base, and control over core digital services. Apple has been designated a gatekeeper for its iOS operating system and Safari browser. Among the strictest obligations is interoperability: third-party providers must be able to interact with the same hardware and software interfaces as the gatekeeper's native services. It is important to note that the DMA provides for fines of up to 10% of global annual revenue for violations, a figure that for Apple could translate into tens of billions of dollars. This Italian investigation, as stressed by the authority, will be shared with the European Commission, the only body empowered to impose final sanctions, but the national investigative phase is a strong signal of a shift in antitrust enforcement.
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Impact on Users and the Market
For millions of Italian users who rely on iPhones and iPads, the issue is far from abstract. Today, if a consumer decides to switch from iCloud to a service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or pCloud, they face significant limitations. Full device backup, including settings, messages, app history, and encrypted data, is an exclusive prerogative of iCloud. Users are therefore forced to use Apple storage if they want a complete backup, creating a dependency that limits competition and keeps prices potentially higher. This investigation could lead to genuine freedom of choice, breaking down technical barriers and fostering a more competitive market for consumer cloud services. This theme also ties into the growing focus on digital ecosystem reliability, as shown by the recent $9 million investment in reliable AI without hallucinations by Probably, a signal that the industry is seeking more transparent and open solutions.
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Reactions and Future Prospects
Apple has previously announced changes to comply with the DMA, such as opening up to alternative app stores in Europe and allowing developers to use different payment systems. However, the cloud interoperability issue seems to remain unresolved. Italy's decision to move first could encourage other national authorities to follow suit, while the European Commission watches closely. The context is made even more interesting by the loss of market share among leading AI assistants, as highlighted by the decline of ChatGPT below the 50% threshold. In the AI world as well, competition and interoperability are becoming central themes. For Apple, the game has just begun. The Italian investigation will likely last several months, and its outcome could have repercussions far beyond national borders. If the authority confirms the violations, it would pave the way for a historic fine and a mandate to deeply modify iOS and iPadOS, with effects on the entire global market. Users can only hope that this initiative leads to greater digital freedom, a right the DMA aims to protect. For a deeper understanding of the regulatory framework, readers are encouraged to consult the Wikipedia page on the Digital Markets Act.
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Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/06/16/apple-faces-first-italian-dma-probe-icloud
