Apple’s ‘dark patterns’
Europe argues that its attempt is nothing to do with forcing compromise on platforms, telling the FT, “Compliance means that developers get a real chance and that users get a real choice, not buried under a maze of dark patterns from gatekeepers.”
At the same time, it is easy to argue that the implementation of the DMA also means consumers lose choice, in that they can no longer access the pure Apple experience they want. Indeed, you could argue that opting for the Apple-curated experience is itself a choice, particularly as Apple’s platform is a unique technology, and the company does not dominate any of its markets.
Samsung, for example sells more smartphones, so why is it not being encumbered by DMA restrictions? “Apple has led the way in building a unique, innovative ecosystem that others have copied — to the benefit of users everywhere. But instead of rewarding that innovation, the DMA singles Apple out while leaving our competitors free to continue as they always have,” the company said.
