• Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg criticizes Apple’s compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
• Zuckerberg finds Apple’s new rules “onerous” and doubts any developer will adopt them.
• The DMA aims to increase competition by allowing other companies to run their own app stores and collect payments independently.
• Meta had considered launching its own app store but abandoned the idea due to Apple’s restrictions.
• Other tech companies, including Epic Games, Spotify, Mozilla, Microsoft, and Match, have also criticized Apple’s compliance with the DMA.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has joined the chorus of voices denouncing Apple’s adherence to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). During Meta’s Q4 earnings call, Zuckerberg expressed skepticism about Apple’s new regulations, labeling them as “onerous” and unlikely to attract developers. The DMA mandates that Apple open up its App Store, allowing developers to utilize their payment systems and potentially bypass Apple’s commissions and fees.

Meta’s Stance on the DMA

Had the DMA been more robust, Meta could have leveraged the law to launch its own app store. However, Apple’s stringent rules, such as the requirement to remove gameplay functionality from apps like Facebook Games, hindered Meta’s plans. Zuckerberg indicated that Meta has no intention of revisiting the idea in light of Apple’s current approach.

Industry Criticism Towards Apple

Meta’s critique echoes sentiments from other tech giants like Epic Games, Spotify, Mozilla, Microsoft, and Match. These companies have lambasted Apple’s compliance with the DMA, citing concerns over additional fees and restrictions. Epic Games, which previously sued Apple over antitrust issues, characterized Apple’s DMA rules as “malicious compliance,” while Spotify labeled them as “extortion.” Microsoft deemed the rules a “step in the wrong direction,” while Match is still evaluating its stance on the matter.