Over the next 6 months, the European Commission and Apple will assess what steps need to be taken to improve the interaction of third-party devices with iOS.
According to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple is required to provide third parties with "free and effective interaction" with the hardware and software features of iOS and iPadOS — and this new directive includes guidance and oversight from the European Commission over the next 6 months.
“Today, we are using the specification procedure under the DMA for the first time to guide Apple toward effective compliance with its interoperability obligations through constructive dialogue,” said EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager. “We are focused on ensuring fair and open digital markets. Effective interoperability, such as with smartphones and their operating systems, plays a significant role in this.”
In the initial specification, the European Commission will evaluate how Apple's iOS operating system facilitates interaction with headphones, smartwatches, and virtual reality headsets, particularly regarding features like notifications and device connectivity.
The second specification will review howApple handles compatibility requests from third-party developers wanting to port their products to iOS and iPadOS devices. In a statement to Bloomberg, the company emphasized that it “has already implemented secure methods for developers, and undermining the established system protections would jeopardize European consumers.”
Apple must provide free and effective interoperability to third-party developers and businesses with hardware and software features controlled by iOS and iPadOS.
Today, we've initiated two specification proceedings to assist Apple in complying with its interoperability… pic.twitter.com/wWPouytXdF
— European Commission (@EU_Commission) September 19, 2024
If Apple ultimately fails to meet the DMA's interoperability requirements, it could face a compliance investigation and a potential fine of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.
Recall that last September, Apple was included in the list of so-called "gatekeepers" — major tech firms providing essential services that may affect market competition — alongside Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Alphabet.
Source: The Verge
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