What happened? The European Union has underlined the steps that Apple must take to open their iPhone and iPad operating system to better integrate with competitive equipment under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Under these new guidelines, Apple will have to increase the interoperability of its iOS platform with devices such as smartwatch, headphones and televisions.
For example, the third-party smartwatch must be able to display and interact with iOS notifications by the end of 2025, possibly coincides with iOS 19.2 or before.
Additionally, Apple should provide its automatic audio-switching facility for third-party headphones by June 1, 2026. This functionality, iOS is expected to be implemented 19.4 or earlier, currently allows seamless switching between apple devices-currently a ability to unannue for airpods and beats bets products.
In addition, Apple will be required for amending iOS to support third -party options for Aircraft by June 1, 2026 and airplay by iOS 20.
The European Commission has also specified that Apple will have to provide developers and businesses with free and effective interpreting to developers and businesses with both hardware and software features mentioned in Article 6 (7) of DMA. This includes access to banned iOS connectivity features nine earlier, such as colleague to colleague Wi-Fi, NFC abilities and device pairing. As a result, a non-apple device-like Bluetooth headphones, smartwatch and connected television-coal-coal should achieve better compatibility.
In addition to these technical changes, the European Union has stated that Apple improves transparency and efficiency in handling interpreting requests from developers. This involves timely communication, regular updates and an forecast review timeline for such requests.
Apple strongly opposed these measures, arguing that they are “bad for our products and our European users.” The company claims that the new rules “wrap us in red tape, slow down Apple’s ability to innovate for users in Europe and force us to provide our new features to companies that do not need to play by similar rules.”
Apple has also expressed concern about the possible privacy risks associated with these interoperability mandate. The company argues that these requirements can highlight sensitive user data as third-party equipment and developers gain access to iOS features.
This involves access to individual messages or one-time code, as well as notifications with Wi-Fi network details, arguing that Apple argues that the third-party developers can be exploited by the developers who have the lack of equal privacy security measures. The company fears that these new access points may be misused for data tracking and profileing, which is potentially bypassing GDPR security.
Despite Apple’s objections, the European Union is committed to implementing these rules, with a possible punishment of up to 10 percent of Apple’s global annual revenue for non-non-transportation.
