Italy’s competition authority, the Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM), has initiated an investigation into Apple’s iCloud service to assess its compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The focus is on whether Apple ensures that third-party consumer cloud service providers have free and effective interoperability with its iOS and iPadOS operating systems, and whether these providers have equal access to the same hardware and software features available to Apple’s own iCloud service.
The AGCM has indicated that third-party cloud providers may not be on equal footing with iCloud, as they appear to lack access to certain features utilized by Apple’s service. For instance, it seems that Apple does not permit alternative cloud storage services to use iOS and iPadOS functionalities that enable users to perform full device backups, a feature readily available to iCloud users.
This investigation marks the first time the AGCM is exercising its powers under Article 38(7) of the DMA, as conferred by Law 214 of December 30, 2023. This law allows the authority to support the European Commission with preliminary investigations under the DMA. The AGCM has stated that the findings from this probe will be shared with the European Commission to assist in its role as the sole enforcer of the DMA.
The DMA, which came into effect in 2022, aims to create a fair and contestable digital market by imposing obligations on large tech companies, designated as ‘gatekeepers,’ to ensure they do not engage in unfair practices that could harm competition. Apple, as a significant player in the digital market, is subject to these regulations.
Apple has previously expressed concerns about the DMA, arguing that it could make it more challenging for technology companies to conduct business, reduce consumer choice, and create an unfair competitive landscape. In September 2025, Apple urged the European Union to reconsider the legislation, highlighting potential negative impacts on the industry.
As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how Apple addresses these interoperability concerns and whether any changes will be implemented to comply with the DMA. The outcome could have significant implications for Apple’s operations in Europe and set a precedent for how other tech giants navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.
