Zhitong Finance learned that the European Commission designated Apple (AAPL.US) iPadOS (its tablet operating system) as the “gatekeeper” under the Digital Market Act (DMA). Apple has a six-month buffer to comply with the DMA. Previously, Apple's iOS operating system, App Store, and Safari browsers were already on the restricted list. The regulation requires strict obligations to ensure that competitors have a level playing field and provide users with more choices.
The European Commission said its investigation found that iPadOS is an important channel for enterprise users to reach end users, and Apple enjoys a stable and enduring position in iPadOS. The EU's competition enforcement agency, said in a statement: “Apple now has six months to ensure full compliance with the DMA (Digital Market Act) obligations applicable to iPadOS.”