Apple May Drop AirDrop from EU iPhones Amid Legal Standoff
Digital Markets Act dispute could lead to key features being removed from European devices
Apple vs. the EU: tensions rising
Apple’s ongoing clash with the European Union over the Digital Markets Act (DMA) is escalating, and the tech giant’s next move could be dramatic: removing AirDrop from iPhones sold within the EU.
- The company has formally appealed key provisions of the DMA, which mandates interoperability between Apple devices and third-party products.
- Central to this dispute are exclusive features like AirDrop and AirPods’ proximity pairing, which regulators claim unfairly lock users into Apple’s ecosystem.
EU demands wider access to Apple features
The European Commission’s ruling requires Apple to open restricted iOS features to third-party developers and accessory makers.
- Features like AirDrop must work with non-Apple devices under the DMA’s terms.
- Apple had engaged in initial discussions, but its latest appeal signals a breakdown in negotiations.
- The company warns that forced interoperability could “limit innovation” and create inferior user experiences in the region.
Could Apple actually disable AirDrop?
Commentators, including John Gruber, suggest Apple may go beyond withholding new features and remove existing ones—including AirDrop—from EU iPhones.
- Apple previously withheld Apple Intelligence and iPhone Mirroring from EU models for similar regulatory concerns.
- The company may use this same approach with AirDrop, choosing to disable or restrict it rather than comply with DMA mandates.
Apple’s hardline approach isn’t new
Apple has a history of resisting regulatory demands, both in the EU and United States:
- It’s actively challenging multiple antitrust rulings.
- In several cases, Apple has chosen to withhold functionality rather than offer cross-platform compatibility.
- Products like AirPods or Apple Watch likely won’t be pulled from the market, but software features are another story.
What this means for EU users
If Apple follows through, European iPhone owners could lose access to AirDrop or have a limited version, unable to interact beyond the Apple ecosystem.
- This would create a noticeable gap in functionality for EU customers.
- It could also set a precedent for how Apple handles regulatory compliance going forward, especially around features involving data sharing and connectivity.
As the DMA continues to reshape Europe’s digital landscape, Apple’s stance signals a readiness to protect its closed ecosystem—even at the cost of user experience in key regions. Whether EU users lose AirDrop remains to be seen, but the battle lines are clearly drawn.
