In a significant regulatory development, the European Commission has designated iPadOS as a Gatekeeper service under its Digital Markets Act (DMA). Following an extensive eight-month investigation, the Commission found that iPadOS serves as a crucial gateway for businesses to reach end users, cementing Apple's dominant position in the ecosystem.
The Commission's mandate requires Apple to ensure full compliance with DMA obligations within six months. This includes allowing users in Europe to download apps from sources outside the App Store, uninstall preloaded apps, and choose default services such as browsers.
Failure to comply could result in fines of up to 10 percent of Apple's global revenue, with repeated infractions escalating to 20 percent. Despite falling short of quantitative thresholds for end user numbers, iPadOS remains essential for companies to connect with consumers.
This designation adds iPadOS to the list of Gatekeeper services alongside iOS, Safari, and the App Store. While Apple has made regional compliance changes for iOS, similar adjustments for iPadOS have been lacking.
The EU's decision comes ahead of Apple's upcoming event on May 7th, where new iPad models are expected to be unveiled. As Apple navigates increased regulatory scrutiny, the implications extend beyond compliance, potentially reshaping competition and consumer choice in the tech industry.
