Apple Says Its Ads and Maps Services Meet EU Digital Markets Act Thresholds

Apple (AAPL, Financials) told the European Commission that two of its core platform services, Apple Ads and Apple Maps, fall within the thresholds defined under the EU's Digital Markets Act, according to a statement released Friday. The disclosure triggers a formal review period during which regulators will decide whether either service should be designated as a gatekeeper under the law.

The Commission now has 45 working days to issue its decision. If Apple is designated, the company will have six months to meet the DMA's requirements, which focus on ensuring fair competition and limiting practices that could restrict user choice. Apple has faced increasing regulatory attention in Europe as lawmakers broaden enforcement of the bloc's competition and digital-services frameworks.

The company did not publicly comment on the filing beyond the Commission's statement. The DMA review process adds another layer of regulatory oversight to Apple's operations in the region, where the company's app distribution, payment systems and advertising tools have been under scrutiny.

Investors will monitor whether any eventual designation leads to changes in how Apple integrates these services across its ecosystem.