Apple has sharply criticized Meta Platforms for its multiple requests to access Apple’s software tools, accusing the company of seeking undue control over its technology that could potentially compromise user privacy and security. The dispute underscores the growing tension between the two tech giants.
Under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into effect last year, Apple is required to allow rival companies and app developers to interoperate with its services or face fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.
Meta, which has made 15 interoperability requests—the most by any company—seeks extensive access to Apple’s technology, according to Apple’s recent report. The iPhone maker expressed concern that many of Meta’s requests involve altering system functionality in ways that could threaten user privacy, particularly in relation to Meta’s external devices like the Meta Quest virtual reality headset and Meta smart glasses.
“If Apple were to grant all of Meta’s requests, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp could gain the ability to monitor private communications and activities,” Apple warned. This could include accessing users’ messages, emails, phone calls, photos, calendar events, passwords, and app usage, posing significant risks to personal data security.
Meta’s Quest headset, which is part of the company’s strategy to dominate the virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) markets, is central to its push for deeper integration with Apple’s ecosystem. However, Apple argued that the changes Meta is requesting go far beyond the scope of its devices and raise alarming questions about the potential for data misuse.
In response, Meta accused Apple of using privacy concerns as a shield against criticism of its anticompetitive behavior. “Apple is essentially saying they don’t believe in interoperability,” a Meta spokesperson said. “Each time Apple is challenged over its monopolistic practices, they hide behind privacy claims that have no basis in fact.”
This latest spat comes as the European Commission, which is overseeing the enforcement of the DMA, released preliminary findings on Wednesday. The Commission is set to further clarify the measures Apple must take to comply with the new regulations, with a public feedback period running until January 9.
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