Based on its mobile end devices such as the iPhone, Apple operates a wide-ranging digital ecosystem which is of great importance to competition not only in Germany but also in Europe and worldwide. With its proprietary products iOS and the App Store, Apple holds a key position for competition as well as for gaining access to its ecosystem and to Apple customers. In April 2023 the Bundeskartellamt established that Apple is of paramount significance for competition across markets. Apple has appealed this decision to the Federal Court of Justice.

App Tracking Transparency Framework (ATTF)

In June 2022 the Bundeskartellamt initiated a proceeding to examine Apple’s tracking rules for third-party apps. In particular, the authority is looking into the initial suspicion that these rules may favour Apple’s own offerings and/or impede other companies.