THEEuropean Union continues its “battle” against the big tech giants. The European Commission has launched two formal proceedings to ensure that Apple meets its interoperability obligations under the Digital markets act (Dma). These measures aim to allow developers and third-party companies to interact freely with operating systems iOS and iPadOS, thus contributing to a fairer and more competitive digital market.
The main requests they concern two fundamental aspects. First, Apple must ensure aeffective interoperability of iOS connectivity features, which are essential for connected devices like smartwatches, headsets, and virtual reality headsets. It’s also critical that features like notifications and device pairing are accessible to third-party developers.
Second, the Commission requires that Apple establish a clear, timely and fair process to manage the Interoperability requests from developers and third parties. This will ensure that all developers have a predictable path to integrate their applications into iOS and iPadOS systems.
The objectives of the Digital Markets Act
Il Digital markets act It officially came into force on 7 March 2024This European regulation was conceived to regulate digital “gatekeepers”, i.e. companies that exercise significant power in the digital market, and aims to ensure free access to the market and regulate the development of the Internet.
The Dma applies to platforms that meet specific criteria, including an annual turnover of at least €7,5 billion in the EU over the past three years, a market valuation of more than €75 billion, at least 45 million monthly end users and 10.000 business users in the EU. The six companies affected, known as “gatekeepers”, are Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Apple, ByteDance (TikTok), Meta (Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp) and Microsoft. These companies will have to comply with the new rules, with fines of up to 10% of their global turnover for infringements, and double that figure for repeat infringements.
The DMA requires gatekeepers to separate some services and introduce features that comply with European regulations, such as creating new screens to update user preferences and new options for using services.
Apple , being one of the major players in the sector, is obliged to ensure interoperability with its own operating systems. This means that third-party developers will need to be able to create applications and services that work effectively on iPhone and iPad, transcending the confines of Apple's proprietary ecosystem.
The procedures required by the EU
The first procedure focuses on the iOS connectivity features, essential for connected devices like smartwatches, headsets, and virtual reality headsets. The European Commission is working to determine how Apple can ensure effective interoperability for critical functions, such as notifications, device pairing, and connectivity.
The second process concerns the system that Apple has implemented for manage interoperability requests from developers and third parties. It is critical that this process be transparent and timely, so that developers have access to clear and predictable paths to integrate their applications into Apple systems.
Vestager: “Ensuring fair and open digital markets”
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President of the Commission, said: “Today is the first time that we are using specification procedures under the DMA to guide Apple towards effective compliance with its interoperability obligations through a constructive dialogue.” This approach aims to ensure fair and open digital markets, providing clarity to developers, third parties and Apple itself”. “We will continue” – concludes the vice president – “our dialogue with Apple and consult with third parties to ensure that the proposed measures work in practice and meet the needs of businesses.”
What can change for users
With the opening of the iOS operating system to external developers, the Apple users will have the ability to download and use applications outside of the Apple ecosystem. This change represents an important evolution for consumers, who will be able to access a wider range of services and features, increasing their freedom of choice.
The Commission expects to conclude the proceedings within six months of their initiation. During this period, the preliminary findings and the measures required to ensure compliance will be communicated to Apple. A summary of the preliminary findings will be published to allow third parties to provide comments and feedback.
