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Apple Loses Appeal Against German Regulatory Controls

Mar 18, 2025 - macrumors.com
Apple lost its appeal in Germany's Federal Court of Justice against a regulatory decision that subjects the company to heightened antitrust scrutiny under the "extended abuse control" regime. This classification allows German authorities expanded powers to monitor Apple's practices due to its significant market influence and vertically integrated ecosystem. Apple argued that the decision misrepresented its competitive environment, emphasizing its focus on user privacy and security. The ruling aligns Apple with other tech giants like Google, Meta, and Amazon, which are also under special controls in Germany. The Federal Cartel Office is investigating Apple's App Tracking Transparency framework for potential self-preferencing.

In other news, Apple is planning major redesigns for iOS 19 and macOS, adopting design principles from visionOS. The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to launch in 2025, and rumors suggest the iPhone 17 lineup may include an "Ultra" model and an ultra-thin "iPhone 17 Air." Apple also launched a new app, Surveyor, for Apple Maps data collection, and is considering future iPhones without USB-C ports. Additionally, Apple's first foldable iPhone is projected to be significantly more expensive than current models.

Key takeaways:

  • Apple lost its appeal in Germany's Federal Court of Justice against a regulatory assessment subjecting it to heightened antitrust scrutiny.
  • The court upheld the Federal Cartel Office's decision to classify Apple under the "extended abuse control" regime, allowing expanded powers to intervene against potential anti-competitive practices.
  • The ruling is based on Apple's extensive financial resources and vertically integrated ecosystem, which gives it strong power over third parties and customers.
  • The extended abuse control designation remains valid for five years, joining Apple with other tech giants like Google, Meta, and Amazon under special controls in Germany.
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