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Apple Faces Growing Regulatory Scrutiny

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 21:52 GMT by Semafor
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CHINA, INDIA

Cupertino, California - February 16th, 2026 - Apple, the world's most valuable company, finds itself increasingly on the defensive as a global wave of regulatory scrutiny threatens to reshape its business model and challenge its long-held dominance. What was once characterized as a 'political honeymoon' - a period of relatively unfettered growth and influence - is definitively over, replaced by intense investigations, antitrust probes, and escalating demands for greater transparency and accountability.

For over a decade, Apple benefited from a perception of innovation and consumer-friendliness that often shielded it from the levels of regulatory fire faced by peers like Google and Meta (formerly Facebook). While those companies battled privacy concerns and accusations of monopolistic practices, Apple largely sailed through, projecting an image of a premium brand focused on user experience rather than aggressive market manipulation. That has drastically changed.

The shift began subtly several years ago, but 2024 and 2025 saw an exponential increase in regulatory pressure, and 2026 is shaping up to be a critical year for the tech giant. The European Union continues to lead the charge, expanding its initial investigations into the App Store to encompass broader concerns about Apple's control over its ecosystem. The Digital Markets Act (DMA), fully enforced since early 2025, has forced Apple to make significant concessions, opening up its platforms to greater competition and interoperability. Early reports suggest these changes have begun to chip away at Apple's revenue from services, although the company maintains these are short-term adjustments.

Across the Atlantic, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have intensified their antitrust investigations, focusing on allegations that Apple leverages its market power to stifle competition in areas like mobile payments (Apple Pay), music streaming (Apple Music), and digital content distribution. The DOJ's landmark case, initiated in late 2025, alleges Apple maintains an illegal monopoly over the iPhone operating system, iOS, hindering the development and adoption of competing platforms.

However, the challenges extend far beyond antitrust and app store policies. Data privacy remains a key battleground. Regulators globally are demanding greater control over user data, echoing concerns that were initially directed at social media companies. New legislation in both the EU and the US now compels Apple to provide users with more granular control over their data, limit data collection for targeted advertising, and ensure greater transparency in its data processing practices. This has led to significant investment in privacy-enhancing technologies, but also impacts Apple's advertising revenue streams.

The regulatory storm isn't limited to the West. Asia, particularly countries like South Korea, Japan, and India, are increasingly assertive in regulating the digital economy. Concerns about Apple's market share, data localization requirements, and the treatment of local developers are gaining traction. India, with its massive mobile market, is becoming a particularly important battleground, with regulators scrutinizing Apple's pricing policies and its reliance on imported components.

Apple's response has been multi-faceted. The company has engaged in extensive lobbying efforts, attempting to shape legislation and mitigate the impact of new regulations. It has also made concessions, such as allowing alternative app stores on iOS in Europe, and increased investment in compliance and transparency initiatives. However, these efforts have often been perceived as reactive rather than proactive, and many critics argue Apple is still resistant to fundamental changes in its business model.

The future remains uncertain. The potential for substantial fines, forced divestitures, and limitations on Apple's ability to innovate and compete is real. Analysts predict a period of slower revenue growth and increased volatility for the company. While Apple possesses substantial financial resources and a loyal customer base, navigating this new regulatory landscape will require a fundamental shift in strategy. Apple must transition from a company that prioritizes control and exclusivity to one that embraces openness, competition, and user empowerment. The days of the 'political honeymoon' are over; a new era of accountability has begun.