The European Commission has mandated Apple to comply with the Digital Markets Act by enhancing iOS interoperability with third-party devices and software. This includes improving key connectivity features and providing technical documentation to developers. Although Apple has made some progress, such as allowing users to choose navigation apps, the Commission insists on further measures to foster innovation and competition. Apple contends these obligations are burdensome and may hinder its ability to innovate while expressing willingness to collaborate with regulators.
European Commission’s Mandate for Apple’s iOS Compliance
The European Commission has laid down specific directives that Apple must follow to align with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The primary request is for Apple to open up iOS, enabling the iPhone to seamlessly connect with third-party devices and software.
Will Apple Open iOS to Third-Party Devices?
The European Commission has taken significant steps by issuing two decisions under the DMA, which outline the necessary actions Apple must take to meet its interoperability obligations. The overarching aim is to enhance consumer experience by facilitating a smoother integration of third-party products within Apple’s ecosystem.
Previously, the Commission urged Apple to comply with the DMA, and some progress has been made. Notably, the recent iOS 18.4 update allows users in Europe to select a navigation app other than Apple Maps. However, this move has been deemed insufficient by regulatory bodies.
As Apple’s advancements in product interoperability appear to be sluggish, the Commission has opted to provide detailed measures to ensure the company complies with European regulations. The first set of required changes focuses on nine key iOS connectivity features that would enable manufacturers and third-party developers to better access iPhone functionalities.
These enhancements could include improved notifications on smartwatches, expedited data transfer, seamless contactless payments, and easier pairing with Bluetooth accessories. The Commission asserts that such changes will enhance the user experience with connected devices from various brands. Furthermore, they anticipate that third-party manufacturers will have new opportunities to innovate and market their products, ultimately benefiting consumers in the long term.
The Commission has also outlined a second group of anticipated measures aimed at improving transparency and efficiency for developers seeking interoperability with iPhone and iPad features. This includes a demand for Apple to provide technical documentation on features currently unavailable to third parties, along with quicker communication and a more predictable review timeline for interoperability requests. The goal is to enable a wider range of innovative services and hardware that are compatible with iPhones and iPads.
Apple has expressed discontent with these mandates, emphasizing that these decisions are not mere suggestions but legally binding obligations. The Commission has made it clear that Apple must comply with these measures within a stipulated timeline, which has yet to be disclosed.
Teresa Ribera, the Executive Vice President for a clean, fair, and competitive transition, celebrated these decisions as a significant move towards ensuring effective interoperability of third-party devices in Apple’s ecosystem. She highlighted that this initiative is a step towards establishing a level playing field in Europe.
Meanwhile, Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President for technological sovereignty, security, and democracy, noted that these measures would foster innovation opportunities for all digital players while providing consumers with greater choices.
For Apple, this situation feels like a setback. The company has criticized the decisions as burdensome, claiming that they stifle their ability to innovate for European users while compelling them to offer new features for free to competitors who do not face the same regulations. Apple has expressed its intention to collaborate with the European Commission to address these concerns on behalf of its users, fearing that users may seek alternatives should they no longer be limited by Apple’s restrictions.