Full Breakdown
Italy Opens First DMA-Based Antitrust Probe into Apple’s iCloud Preference
6/16/2026, 10:32:37 PM
Core Event: Investigation Launched Under the Digital Markets Act
On 16 June 2026 Italy’s competition authority, the Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM), opened a formal investigation into Apple Inc. for possible breaches of the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA). The probe examines whether Apple gives iCloud preferential access to iOS and iPadOS components, denying third-party cloud providers the same cost-free interoperability required by the DMA. AGCM said its findings will be sent to the European Commission.
Background: The DMA and Gatekeeper Obligations
The DMA, adopted in September 2022, designates digital platforms as “gatekeepers” and requires them to provide interoperability with core services. Apple, classified as a gatekeeper, must allow rival cloud services to use the same hardware and software interfaces that power iCloud. The regulation also lets national competition authorities launch preliminary investigations and forward results to the Commission, creating a decentralized enforcement model.
Key Players: Apple, AGCM, and the European Commission
The probe targets Apple Inc., Apple Distribution International Ltd, and Apple Italia S.r.l. The AGCM, led by President Roberto Rustichelli, is the initiating authority. The European Commission, responsible for DMA enforcement, will receive AGCM’s report and decide on sanctions. Other gatekeepers—Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft—face similar obligations.
Data & Stakes: Past Fines and Potential Penalties
Apple has paid nearly $3 billion in antitrust fines worldwide. Under the DMA, the Commission can levy penalties up to 10 % of global turnover for non-compliance, potentially amounting to tens of billions of dollars for Apple. This financial exposure raises the stakes of the probe.
Official Statements & Apple’s Response
Apple says security and privacy considerations justify its technical choices and notes the European Commission has not responded to its interoperability compromise proposal. Historically, Apple has resisted regulator demands, sometimes preferring to withdraw from markets rather than change its practices.
Criticism & Regulatory Concerns
AGCM says it has evidence that third-party cloud providers cannot access the same iOS/iPadOS components used by iCloud, violating the DMA’s interoperability clause. The regulator argues Apple’s setup effectively blocks competitors from offering full-device backup services, undermining competition in the consumer cloud sector.
Why It Matters: Implications for Cloud Competition
A ruling against Apple would create a de-facto playbook for enforcing DMA obligations across the EU, compelling other gatekeepers to open core infrastructure to rivals. The precedent could reshape the European cloud market, affect investor confidence, and accelerate interoperable services.
What’s Next: Forwarding Findings and Possible EU Action
AGCM will complete its investigation and send a detailed report to the European Commission. The Commission will decide whether to launch formal DMA proceedings and, if warranted, levy fines. The outcome will likely shape subsequent DMA investigations in other member states.
