Italy Is Probing Apple Over iCloud Services Like iPhone Backups
Italy’s antitrust authority, AGCM, is investigating Apple for allegedly limiting third-party cloud storage access on iOS and iPadOS. According to Reuters, the regulator claims Apple restricts competitors from performing full device backups, a capability reserved for iCloud, potentially violating the European Union’s Digital Markets Act.
Why is Italy investigating Apple’s iCloud services?
The AGCM is probing whether Apple maintains an unfair monopoly by denying third-party cloud operators the same system-level access that iCloud enjoys. The regulator stated it has proof that services like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive cannot access specific iOS and iPadOS features required for full device backups.
Under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), “gatekeeper” companies must ensure their platforms are interoperable with third-party services. The AGCM alleges Apple has failed this requirement by keeping full backup functionality exclusive to its own ecosystem. Once the probe concludes, Italy will forward its findings to the EU Commission for potential enforcement, which could include significant fines.
How does this relate to the Siri AI delay in Europe?
Apple has a history of resisting EU mandates when they conflict with the company’s internal security policies. According to Engadget, Apple recently delayed the release of its new Siri AI features in the EU indefinitely. Senior VP Craig Federighi attributed this move to the bloc’s “refusal to engage constructively” on solutions that protect user privacy and security.
Industry analysts suggest Apple may use a similar “security and privacy” defense in the iCloud probe. If the EU orders Apple to open its backup architecture to third parties, Apple will likely argue that doing so creates vulnerabilities that could compromise user data.
Comparison: iCloud vs. Third-Party Cloud Access
| Feature | Apple iCloud | Third-Party (Google/Microsoft) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Device Backup | Supported | Not Supported (per AGCM) |
| OS Integration | Native/Deep | App-level only |
| Regulatory Status | Under Investigation | Seeking Equal Access |
What happens next for iPhone users in the EU?
If the EU Commission enforces the AGCM’s findings, Apple may be forced to rewrite parts of iOS to allow third-party apps to trigger full system backups. This would mean users could potentially migrate their entire phone state to a non-Apple cloud without using a Mac or PC as a middleman.
However, the timeline remains uncertain. Apple’s current stance on Siri AI suggests the company is willing to withhold features entirely rather than compromise its closed-garden architecture. This creates a tension between EU law and Apple’s business model that will likely play out in court for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AGCM?
The AGCM is Italy’s competition authority, responsible for investigating antitrust violations and ensuring fair market competition.
Can I currently back up my entire iPhone to Google Drive?
No. While you can sync photos and documents to Google Drive, the AGCM notes that full system backups—which include app data and system settings—are currently exclusive to iCloud.
Will this investigation affect users outside of Europe?
Directly, no. The probe is based on the EU’s Digital Markets Act. However, if Apple changes its OS architecture to satisfy EU regulators, those changes often eventually migrate to global versions of iOS.
What do you think? Would you trust a third-party company with a full backup of your iPhone’s system data? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more tech policy updates.