Italy Investigates Apple Over Cloud Service Practices
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 days ago
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Investigation Launched: Italy's competition regulator has initiated an investigation into Apple (AAPL) to assess whether its operating systems disadvantage third-party cloud service providers under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), indicating increased scrutiny on tech giants.
- Compliance Requirements: Under the DMA, Apple must ensure that third-party consumer cloud service providers can effectively and free of charge interoperate with hardware and software components controlled by its iOS and iPadOS, granting them access equivalent to its own iCloud service.
- Potential Violations: The regulator noted that Apple appears to not allow users to utilize alternative cloud storage services for full device data backups, which may violate DMA provisions, thereby increasing compliance pressure on Apple.
- Future Implications: This investigation marks the first case initiated by Italy's competition regulator under the DMA, with findings to be submitted to the European Commission, potentially impacting Apple's market strategy and cloud service operations significantly.
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Analyst Views on AAPL
Wall Street analysts forecast AAPL stock price to rise
27 Analyst Rating
17 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 295.950
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
Current: 295.950
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
About AAPL
Apple Inc. designs, manufactures and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables and accessories, and sells a variety of related services. Its product categories include iPhone, Mac, iPad, Wearables, Home and Accessories. Its services include advertising, AppleCare, cloud services, digital content, and payment services. The Company operates various platforms, including the App Store, that allow customers to discover and download applications and digital content, such as books, music, video, games and podcasts. It also offers digital content through subscription-based services, including Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and Apple TV+. Its wearables include smartwatches, wireless headphones, and spatial computers. Its products include iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone SE, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iPad Pro, iPad Air, AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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