EU pushes Apple to let third parties into its ecosystem

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is gradually dismantling Apple’s strict control in the EU. Earlier this year, the company was forced to support third-party app markets and payment methods on iPhones in the EU. It also switches to USB-C iphone 16 Same as 15 series due to pressure. Still, the EU considers the Apple ecosystem in its current form to be anti-competitive and is pushing for an iOS that works better with users Android phone.

The European Commission issued a document (via Bloomberg) highlighted the steps Apple should take to enable its ecosystem to interoperate with third-party competitors in the EU. Some of the proposed changes include the introduction of proprietary iOS features such as AirDrop, AirPlay, and automatic device switching when streaming audio to other operating systems, which may include Android. In theory, this would allow iPhone and Android phone users to seamlessly perform operations such as exchanging files and casting media without having to rely on third-party apps.

Among other things, the document explains how iOS should be exclusive apple watch Third-party smartwatches and headphones can use AirPods permissions. For example, users should be able to fully access iPhone notification data on non-Apple accessories and interact with alerts. By doing this, the Apple ecosystem in the EU will start treating third-party devices equally.

Apple issued its own response Paperexplained how opening up its ecosystem in the EU would harm user data. It also exposes special API requests from Meta and the associated consequences when these requests are granted.

If Apple had to approve all these requests, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp could let Meta read all of their messages and emails on users’ devices, view every call they make or receive, track every app they use, scan All their photos, view their files and calendar events, record all their passwords and more. Apple itself chooses not to access this data in order to provide users with the strongest protection possible.

If Apple does not comply with the regulations and open up its ecosystem, the EU may launch a formal investigation in early 2025.