Italy's Competition Authority (AGCM) opened an investigation on June 16 into whether Apple grants third-party cloud storage providers the same access to iOS and iPadOS features as its own iCloud service, as required by the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) [1, 2]. The probe focuses on whether Apple allows competing cloud services to perform full device backups on iPhones and iPads, a feature currently exclusive to iCloud [1].
According to the AGCM, "It appears that Apple does not allow alternative cloud storage services to use the iOS and iPadOS features enabling end users to perform a full backup of their devices' data, while those same features are available to Apple's iCloud" [1]. The authority said that competing consumer cloud services should "effectively interoperate with its operating systems free of charge and receive access to the same hardware and software functionalities available to Apple's iCloud service" [2].
The AGCM is exercising investigative powers under Article 38(7) of the DMA to assess Apple's compliance with interoperability obligations designed to ensure fair competition in digital markets [2]. This case marks the first time Italy is using its antitrust authority under the EU Digital Markets Act specifically for consumer cloud services [2].
Upon completing its probe, the AGCM will forward its findings to the European Commission, which could impose fines or other regulatory measures if it finds Apple's policies breach the DMA requirements [1, 2].
The investigation follows Apple’s recent delay of the Siri AI rollout in Europe, reportedly caused by disputes with EU regulators over privacy and security concerns [1].
The AGCM’s findings are expected to influence how consumer cloud services interoperate with Apple’s operating systems under evolving EU digital market regulations.
