EU wants Apple to ensure iOS interoperability with other platforms

Apple was forced this year to drastically change how iOS works in the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) antitrust law, which created a series of rules to prevent big tech companies from engaging in anti-competitive behavior. However, the EU appears to be demanding more from Apple, as the European Commission now requires the company to ensure “effective interoperability” of iOS with other platforms.

EU calls on Apple to further change the way iOS works

It is reported BloombergEuropean Commission posted a file Wednesday as part of an antitrust investigation into Apple. In the document, the EU instructs Apple to change many aspects of iOS so that third-party developers have access to technology currently only available to Apple.

For example, the document shows that Apple is making it easier for users to pair and control accessories such as smart watches and headphones from other brands on iOS. It also said the company should allow third-party apps to run entirely in the background — something currently only Apple apps can do. The document even covers features like AirPlay and AirDrop that are currently limited to Apple devices.

The EU has set January 9, 2025 as the deadline for consultations on the case. In response, Apple released an online document Criticizing the European Commission and the DMA legislation, claiming that the situation is “becoming personal”. Not surprisingly, Apple highlighted its work on privacy and security and said the DMA requirements make its ecosystem less secure.

Apple said that opening up all its technology to anyone would put iOS users’ data at risk. Interestingly, Apple also notes that Meta is one of the companies making the most requests to access “Apple’s sensitive technology” under the DMA.

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.

Meta claims that it needs access to iOS technology to provide a better experience for external devices such as Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and Meta Quest headphones. However, Apple says it already provides interoperability with these devices without requiring special permissions.

If Apple fails to comply with DMA rules, the EU may launch a formal investigation against Apple. This could result in the company being slapped with hefty fines of up to 10% of annual global sales.

last month, Brazilian regulators also ruled that Apple should open its ecosystem to third-party developers. Although Apple has appealed the decision, the company may still be forced to enable sideloading in Brazil.

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