The European Commission has announced the decisions of its interoperability proceedings to assist Apple in complying with its obligations under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), but the tech giant isn’t happy.
The EC says it’s adopted two decisions under the DMA specifying the measures that Apple has to take to comply with certain aspects of its interoperability obligation. Here they are:
The first set of measures concerns nine iOS connectivity features, predominantly used for connected devices such as smartwatches, headphones or TVs. The measures will grant device manufacturers and app developers improved access to iPhone features that interact with such devices (e.g. displaying notifications on smartwatches), faster data transfers (e.g. peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connections, and near-field communication) and easier device set-up (e.g. pairing).
As a result, connected devices of all brands will work better on iPhones. Device manufacturers will have new opportunities to bring innovative products to the market, improving the user experience for consumers based in Europe. The measures ensure that this innovation takes place in full respect of users’ privacy and security as well as the integrity of Apple’s operating systems.
The second set of measures improves the transparency and effectiveness of the process that Apple devised for developers interested in obtaining interoperability with iPhone and iPad features. It includes improved access to technical documentation on features not yet available to third parties, timely communication and updates, and a more predictable timeline for the review of interoperability requests.
Developers will benefit from a fast and fair handling of their interoperability requests. The measures will accelerate their ability to offer a wider choice to European consumers of innovative services and hardware that interoperate with iPhones and iPads.
The final measures set out in the two specification decisions follow an extensive engagement with Apple and input provided by third parties as part of the public consultation, launched on 18 December 2024.
The EU Says the specification decisions are legally binding. Apple is required to implement the specified measures in accordance with the conditions of the decisions.
However, Apple had this to say: “Today’s decisions wrap us in red tape, slowing down Apple’s ability to innovate for users in Europe and forcing us to give away our new features for free to companies who don’t have to play by the same rules. It’s bad for our products and for our European users. We will continue to work with the European Commission to help them understand our concerns on behalf of our users”.
Article provided with permission from AppleWorld.Today
