The Danish Competition and Consumer Authority has initiated a case against Apple concerning its practices in the iPhone repair market. The investigation highlights that from November 2018 to December 2024, repairs on iPhones could only be performed using new original spare parts and software from Apple to ensure full functionality and avoid repair notifications indicating the use of 'unknown parts.'

Initially, only Apple was authorized to perform repairs on iPhones. However, in 2018, Apple allowed Apple Authorized Service Providers to conduct repairs using Apple's input. By 2019, Independent Repair Providers were also granted similar access. The Authority's concerns center on whether Apple's practices have restricted competition from unauthorized and Independent Repair Providers who use non-original or used original spare parts.

The Authority's preliminary assessment suggests that Apple's conduct may constitute an abuse of its dominant position in the market for iPhone repairs, potentially violating Section 11(1) of the Danish Competition Act and Article 102 TFEU. The Authority believes that Apple's actions may have degraded the quality of inputs from other suppliers, allowing Apple to raise spare part prices, which could lead to higher repair costs for consumers.

Apple disputes the Authority's claims but has proposed commitments to address the concerns raised. These commitments include eliminating artificial barriers to the repair process and ensuring that all repairers can achieve full functionality with any type of spare part used. Additionally, Apple will provide objective and non-discriminatory messaging regarding repairs on iPhones.

The Authority has determined that these commitments may enhance access to iPhone repairs in Denmark, potentially lowering repair prices and increasing consumer choice. Consequently, the Authority finds no basis for further intervention against Apple at this time, pending the implementation of the commitments.