FSFE: Apple is a threat to free software – and a DMA rule-breaker
Apple is blocking free software and clearly violating the new EU competition law, complain activists. They are backing the Commission.
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Free software activists have sharply criticized Apple's implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA): The corporation is a threat to free software and clearly violates the new competition rules in the EU, as the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) explained in a position paper written jointly with other activists – including the alternative app marketplace F-Droid. The document is intended to highlight the most problematic aspects of Apple's changes and thus support the EU Commission's ongoing investigation.
FSFE: Apple breaches DMA requirements
The EU competition authorities have already accused Apple of breaking the new rules. The company is preventing apps from referring to cheaper purchase options, the Commission complained in a preliminary finding. It is also investigating other aspects of Apple's changes made regarding the Digital Markets Act, including the "Core Technology Fee", which Apple uses to charge for app installations.
In addition to the core technology fee, the free software activists primarily consider Apple's app review and notarization, which all apps must continue to undergo – even those that are ultimately distributed outside the App Store – to be problematic. Being able to freely install software from other sources is not a threat to the integrity of the devices or the operating system, the organizations explain. This is also completely incompatible with industry standards for all other major operating systems – from Windows to Linux distributions and Android to macOS – where "autonomous distribution and installation of apps is of course possible".
No alternative operating systems for the iPhone
According to the activists, Apple is in breach of several DMA requirements, including those relating to interoperability and browser selection. Even around four months after the DMA deadline, there is still no fully-fledged alternative browser for iOS, although Apple has abandoned its WebKit requirement on paper. The specifications for browser manufacturers are too restrictive and would prevent competition accordingly, according to the FSFE.
The position paper also criticizes the fact that iPhones and iPads – unlike Macs and x86 PCs – cannot be installed with an operating system other than that of the manufacturer. This also violates the interoperability requirement.
(lbe)