EU puts further pressure on Apple: here’s what could change on your iPhone

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The Digital Markets Act targets tech giants whose platforms can prioritize their services, to the detriment of those of third-party developers. For example, to comply with this EU legislation, Apple opened its iOS platform to competitors of the App Store, as well as to direct downloads of applications from the web. But the European Commission does not stop there, since it also asks the Cupertino firm to improve the interoperability of products covered by the Digital Markets Act with connected accessories offered by Apple's competitors in this sector.

As reported by Bloomberg, the European Commission recently published a document in which it explains that third-party developers must obtain detailed information on how requests are made to access certain features of the iPhone. Brussels also asks for a transparent process and a contact within Apple to manage these developer requests. Additionally, if a developer's request is denied, Apple should provide for a conciliation process.

“Apple must (among other obligations) provide third parties with effective and free interoperability with the same hardware and software features that Apple has and that are accessible or controlled through iOS and iPadOS”, the European Commission states. In other words, Apple’s connected accessories should not have any advantages over those produced by third-party companies.

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The torch is burning

A fan of closed systems, Apple is of course critical of this approach. And as usual, the firm believes that interoperability endangers the privacy of its users. “We are concerned that some companies, whose data practices do not meet the high data protection standards set by the EU and supported by Apple, may attempt to abuse the DMA’s interoperability provisions to access sensitive user data,”, the document reads.

Meta singled out

The Cupertino firm singles out the Meta group in particular. The latter has already sent 15 interoperability requests “which, if accepted, would reduce the protections of personal data that our users are entitled to expect from their devices.” Mark Zuckerberg’s company has already reacted. Quoted by Bloomberg, a representative explains: “What Apple is really saying is that it doesn’t believe in interoperability. Every time Apple is challenged for its anticompetitive behavior, it defends itself by invoking privacy grounds that have no basis in reality.” Meta markets mixed reality headsets and smart glasses that are said to benefit from better interoperability with Apple product hardware.

In September, the Commission opened proceedings to clarify Apple’s interoperability obligations to comply with the Digital Markets Act. It was as part of this procedure that the documents cited by Bloomberg were published. The Commission is currently consulting interested parties before validating the interoperability measures planned with Apple.

• While Apple has already opened iOS to App Store competitors to comply with the Digital Markets Act, the European Commission is also requiring the firm to improve the interoperability of the iPhone with third-party products
• Interested developers will be able to submit interoperability requests to access certain iPhone features, and the Commission is requiring a transparent process
• Currently, Brussels is consulting interested parties before validating the measures that will be taken by Apple

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