Update: Apple’s Response to the EU Commission’s Digital Markets Act
“At Apple, we’re proud of the fact that we’ve built over 250,000 APIs that allow developers to build apps that access our operating system and functionalities in a way that ensures users’ privacy and security. To comply with the DMA, we’ve also created ways for apps in the European Union to request additional interoperability with iOS and iPadOS while protecting our users. Undermining the protections we’ve built over time would put European consumers at risk, giving bad actors more ways to access their devices and data. We will continue to work constructively with the European Commission on a path forward that both protects our EU users and clarifies the regulation.”
Under the Digital Markets Act, the EU Commission is pushing Apple to enhance support for third-party connected devices like smartwatches, headphones, and VR headsets with iPhone and iPad.
The EU Commission will specify how Apple should provide interoperability with iOS functions like notifications and device pairing. Apple will have six months to comply with these instructions regarding third-party device integration.
The Digital Markets Act requires gatekeeper platforms like iOS and iPadOS to be interoperable with third-party hardware, but the specifics were left vague. The EU’s specification process will define the terms relevant to Apple’s case within six months.
Apple has already started moving towards this direction with iOS 18 supporting an AirPods-like setup experience for compatible third-party accessories.
Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager stated that this is the first time specification proceedings have been initiated to guide Apple towards effective compliance with its obligations. Failure to meet the dictated specifications may result in remediations and fines for Apple.
Apple is already facing investigations for alleged violations of the Digital Markets Act, particularly concerning the App Store. The company has been fined $2 billion by the EU in a separate case related to anti-steering provisions in the music streaming market.
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