EU wants Apple to ensure iOS is 'effectively compatible' with other platforms

This year, Apple was forced to make drastic changes to how iOS works in the EU due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which sets out a series of rules designed to prevent big tech companies from engaging in anti-competitive practices. However, it appears the EU wants even more from Apple, as the European Commission now demands that the company ensure “effective compatibility” of iOS with other platforms.

EU calls on Apple to further change the way iOS works

The European Commission published a document on Wednesday as part of its antitrust investigations into Apple, Bloomberg reports. In the document, the EU orders Apple to change many aspects of iOS so that third-party developers can access technologies that are currently only available to Apple.

For example, the document suggests that Apple make it easier for users to pair and manage accessories like smartwatches and headsets from other brands on iOS. It also says the company should allow third-party apps to run entirely in the background — something only Apple apps can currently do. The document even addresses features like AirPlay and AirDrop, which are currently limited to Apple devices.

The EU has set a deadline of 9 January 2025 for its consultation on the case. In response, Apple has published an online document criticising the European Commission and the DMA legislation, arguing that the situation is “getting personal”. Unsurprisingly, Apple is highlighting its work on privacy and security and arguing that the DMA requirements are making its ecosystem less secure.

Top comment from Mike Nelson

Liked by 22 people

Allow apps:apps the same unmonitored background access as the operating system and core utilities – what could go wrong? Can you imagine if the EU allowed superusers access to every program they used – they’d be one new router away from going bust

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Apple says that opening up all of its technologies to everyone would put iOS users' data at risk. Interestingly, Apple also notes that Meta is one of the companies that has made the most requests for access to “sensitive Apple technologies” under the DMA.

If Apple were to grant all of these requests, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp could allow Meta to read every message and email on a user’s device, see every phone call they make or receive, track every app they use, scan all of their photos, view their files and calendar events, log all of their passwords, and more. This is data that Apple itself has chosen not to access in order to provide the best possible protection for users.

Meta claims that it needs access to iOS technology to provide a better experience with external devices like Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and Meta Quest headsets. However, Apple says it already provides interaction with these devices without the need for special permissions.

The EU could launch a formal investigation against Apple if the company fails to comply with the DMA rules. This could lead to large fines of up to 10% of the company's annual global sales.

Apple could face first-ever EU fine for direct data access

Last month, Brazil's regulator also ruled that Apple must open its ecosystem to third-party developers. Although Apple has appealed the ruling, the company may still be forced to allow sideloading in Brazil.