European Commission on Wednesday adopted two decisions under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) outlining specific measures Apple must take to meet its interoperability obligations. These steps aim to improve how third-party products and services work with Apple’s ecosystem, including iPhones and iPads, across Europe.
Enhancing Compatibility for Connected Devices
The Commission’s press release explained that interoperability fosters seamless integration of third-party products with Apple’s platforms. “It’s key to unlocking new options for developers to create innovative products and services,” the release said.
This, it added, means “a wider choice of products will be available to consumers in Europe that work with their Apple devices.” The first decision targets nine iOS connectivity features used by connected devices like smartwatches, headphones, and TVs. It improves access to tools such as displaying notifications on smartwatches, faster peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connections, near-field communication, and simpler device pairing.
The EU noted these changes ensure better performance for all brands on iPhones while respecting user privacy, security, and Apple’s system integrity. Device makers, it highlighted, gain fresh opportunities to innovate, enhancing user experiences for Europeans.
Streamlining Developer Processes
The second decision refines Apple’s process for handling interoperability requests from developers seeking access to iPhone and iPad features. It offers clearer technical documentation for features not yet available to third parties, timely updates, and a predictable review timeline.
“This ensures fast, fair handling of requests,” the release stated, allowing developers to quickly deliver innovative hardware and services to European consumers. The Commission believes this expands user choice.
Legal Framework and Timeline
These decisions, legally binding per the release, require Apple to implement the measures according to a set timeline and specific conditions. “Apple must take these steps,” the release cited, while noting the decisions “fully respect Apple’s rights of defense and remain subject to independent judicial scrutiny.” They follow extensive talks with Apple and a public consultation launched on December 18, 2024, incorporating third-party input.
Apple’s Strong Opposition
Apple sharply criticized the EU’s decisions in a statement to 9to5Mac, calling them “red tape” that slows its ability to innovate for European users. “It forces us to give away new features for free to companies not bound by the same rules,” the company said, arguing it is “bad for our products and European users.”
Apple expressed particular concern over privacy risks, stating that opening iOS notifications could let third parties collect unencrypted user data, bypassing its safeguards. It also dislikes the added oversight, which it said delays product launches and frustrates development. Apple feels singled out, as the Commission has only applied these DMA tools to it, allowing others to benefit without similar burdens.
Still, it plans to comply and “continue working with the Commission to address our concerns on behalf of users,” the statement added. Some changes will begin with iOS 19, per 9to5Mac.
Looking Ahead
The coming months will clarify how Apple balances compliance with its own priorities. For now, the Commission expects these measures to reshape the digital landscape, giving consumers and developers more power in Apple’s ecosystem.