Sébastien Gros to discuss Apple's strategy at Web Summit 2026

Apple’s Director of European Government Affairs, Sébastien Gros, will speak at the Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, from November 9 to 12, 2026. The appearance places Apple’s top EU lobbyist on a global stage at a conference that draws tech CEOs, investors and policy makers from around the world.

The invitation comes as the company navigates a wave of European regulation that could reshape its business. The EU has been tightening rules on digital platforms, privacy and competition, and Apple is already facing investigations into its App Store fees, its iPhone repair policies and its compliance with the Digital Services Act. Regulators are also reviewing how Apple handles data sharing for advertising and whether its devices meet new environmental standards. Gros’s talk is likely to address how Apple is responding to these pressures and what the firm hopes to achieve in Brussels.

Gros has been a visible figure in recent EU debates, testifying before the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and presenting Apple’s position on the Digital Markets Act last year. At the Web Summit, he is expected to outline the company’s strategy for working with European governments, highlight recent changes such as the expansion of its privacy‑focused “App Tracking Transparency” feature, and discuss new investment plans for data centers in the region. Industry analysts see the slot as an opportunity for Apple to signal cooperation and to soften criticism ahead of upcoming rulings on its App Store practices.

The speech could set the tone for Apple’s next moves in Europe. If Gros can convince regulators and the tech community that Apple is adapting, the company may avoid harsher penalties and secure a more favorable operating environment. Observers will watch for any concrete commitments announced at the summit, such as increased transparency reports or expanded support for local developers, which could shape the relationship between Apple and European policymakers for years to come.