The EU requires Apple to open up the iPhone and iOS to competitors under the Digital Markets Act
The EU demands Apple open iOS to competitors, enforcing DMA regulations.
The European Union (EU) is enforcing new regulations that require Apple to modify its iPhone and iOS systems. These changes, stipulated under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), are intended to enhance interoperability among various devices, fostering competition and improving user experience by the end of 2025 for some features and June 1, 2026, for others. Notably, Apple must ensure its systems allow third-party smartwatches, headphones, and more to seamlessly interact with its iOS platform, sharing capabilities like notifications and audio switching.
The changes demanded by the EU under the DMA are extensive. For instance, third-party smartwatches must be integrated to display iOS notifications effectively, and headphones must be compatible with Apple's automatic audio-switching feature by mid-2026. This audio feature, previously exclusive to Apple's own AirPods and Beats products, must be extended in iOS 19.4 or earlier. Additionally, Apple needs to modify its software to accommodate third-party alternatives to traditional Apple services like AirDrop and AirPlay in upcoming iOS versions.
To facilitate these changes, the European Commission mandates that Apple offers developers access to various iOS capabilities, such as peer-to-peer Wi-Fi and NFC, which were restricted before. This move includes adopting Article 6(7) from the Digital Markets Act, aiming to integrate third-party hardware and software with Apple's systems more effectively. The EU emphasizes ensuring better communication, updates, and transparency from Apple when handling interoperability requests from businesses and developers.
Apple has expressed strong opposition to these mandates, arguing that they may adversely affect product quality and privacy. The company claims that these regulations impede innovation by forcing Apple to make new features available to competitors without ensuring mutual compliance with the same rules. Apple is particularly concerned about the potential privacy risks, stating that opening their systems could expose sensitive user data to improper use by third-party developers lacking robust privacy safeguards.
Despite Apple's significant objections, the EU remains firm on implementing the regulations, highlighting substantial fines and penalties for non-compliance—posing a threat of up to 10% of Apple's global annual revenue. This indicates the EU's determination to create a more competitive digital marketplace across Europe, aligning with broader efforts to regulate big tech companies.
Sources: TechSpot, European Commission reports