News

Apple argues iMessage doesn’t qualify as gatekeeper service

Published

2 years ago

September 5, 2023

Apple is asserting that its iMessage service should not be categorized as a gatekeeper service under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulation.

The rationale behind Apple’s argument remains somewhat unclear, despite iMessage being a preinstalled application on every iPhone sold and one of the most frequently used apps on the platform. Apple has refrained from providing public comments on the matter.

The first list of gatekeeper services, which will be mandated to adhere to the stringent DMA regulations, is scheduled for release this week. It is widely anticipated that Apple’s App Store will be included in this list, potentially paving the way for alternative app stores and third-party iPhone app side-loading.

The primary objective of the Digital Markets Act is to curb the monopolistic power of major online platforms. If iMessage were to fall under the jurisdiction of DMA rules, Apple would be compelled to open iMessage to third-party messaging services, although the specific mechanisms for achieving this are not yet clear.

45 million monthly users

To qualify as a ‘gatekeeper’ service under the published legislation, the service must have more than 45 million monthly active users in the EU. Furthermore, the company must generate an annual turnover in the EU exceeding 7.5 billion euros or possess a market capitalization in excess of 75 billion euros.

In financial terms, Apple comfortably meets these criteria. However, the crux of the debate surrounds whether iMessage has more than 45 million users in Europe.

There are over 1 billion iPhones in use worldwide. Nevertheless, Apple does not publicly disclose monthly active user figures for iMessage, making it challenging to ascertain its precise user count in each region. Competing messaging apps like WhatsApp tend to have a more prominent presence in Europe compared to the United States, where iMessage enjoys higher penetration.

Despite this, considering that iPhones constitute more than 25% of the European smartphone market, it is reasonable to assume that iMessage boasts millions of users. Nevertheless, whether it surpasses the 45 million threshold remains uncertain.

News

Iran buries nuclear site entrances amid rising tensions with the U.S.

Published

7 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Satellite images reveal that Iran has buried all three tunnel entrances at its Isfahan nuclear complex. Analysts say the move mirrors defensive preparations taken before U.S. airstrikes devastated the facility last year, with no vehicle or personnel activity visible around the entrances.

The burial appears aimed at limiting damage from potential airstrikes and complicating any ground raid targeting enriched uranium stored in the underground facility. Experts suggest equipment or materials may have been moved into the tunnels for protection, though this remains unconfirmed.

The fortification comes amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions. President Trump has demanded Iran curb its nuclear program, warning of military action, while Tehran insists halting uranium enrichment is unacceptable. Recent indirect talks in Oman showed little progress toward a new deal.

News

Armed figure seen on CCTV as search intensifies for Savannah Guthries mother

CCTV shows armed figure near Nancy Guthrie’s home as search for the missing 84-year-old mother continues into week two.

Published

14 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Harvey Vargas

CCTV shows an armed figure near Nancy Guthrie’s home as the search for the missing 84-year-old mother continues into week two.

New CCTV footage has been released as police intensify the search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of US Today show presenter Savannah Guthrie, who vanished in Tucson, Arizona.

The 84-year-old disappeared after returning home on January 31, with authorities now believing she may have been kidnapped during the early hours of February 1.

Investigators say the case has entered a critical phase as public attention grows around the alarming circumstances of her disappearance.

#BreakingNews #USNews #MissingPerson #TrueCrime #SavannahGuthrie #CCTVFootage #CrimeWatch #TickerNews

News

Trump hints at military pressure as U.S. and Iran resume nuclear talks

US-Iran restart nuclear talks in Oman amid cautious optimism, while Trump considers military escalation and Israel demands stricter missile terms.

Published

14 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US-Iran restart nuclear talks in Oman amid cautious optimism, while Trump considers military escalation and Israel demands stricter missile terms.

The United States and Iran have returned to the negotiating table in Oman, marking a fresh attempt to ease escalating nuclear tensions between the two long-time rivals. President Donald Trump described the talks as promising, suggesting momentum toward further discussions.

Iran’s Foreign Minister echoed cautious optimism, calling the meetings a positive first step while acknowledging deep-seated trust issues remain unresolved. At the heart of the talks is a major sticking point — the White House’s insistence that Iran dismantle its nuclear capability entirely.

Iran, however, maintains it has a sovereign right to enrich uranium, setting the stage for difficult negotiations ahead as both sides test whether diplomacy can hold.

#USIran #NuclearTalks #MiddleEastPolitics #Trump #IranNuclear #GlobalDiplomacy #WorldNews #TickerNews