The decision is a win for Apple, whose iMessage service has long faced complaints from Android users due to incompatibilities.
The EU's competition restrictions also won't apply to Microsoft's Bing and Edge browsers, as well as the Redmond tech giant's online advertising service, Microsoft Advertising.
The Tuesday pronouncement does not mean that Apple and Microsoft themselves won't still be treated as gatekeepers under the EU rules.
Late last year, the EU unveiled six designated gatekeeper that would be subject to its rules: Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and TikTok owner ByteDance.
Apple recently opened up its App Store for third-party developers in Europe, which could threaten the iPhone giant's lucrative fees.
Persons:
Microsoft's Bing, Meta's WhatsApp, ByteDance
Organizations:
European Commission, Apple, Facebook, Users, Redmond, Microsoft, CNBC, EU, EU Digital Markets, Meta
Locations:
Europe