Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EU Commission proposed measures to enhance Apple’s interoperability with connected devices under the Digital Markets Act.
Today on 19 Dec 2024, the European Commission informed Apple of preliminary findings in the two specification proceedings it started on 19 September 2024. These conclusions demonstrate the proposed measures for Apple to guarantee the interoperability of connected gadgets with iPhones and to drive interoperability by third parties more transparent and predictable, as directed by the Digital Markets Act.
What steps Apple must take to meet EU interoperability standards?
According to the EU Commission, the preliminary conclusions in the first specification proceedings summarise the proposed steps the EU Commission believes Apple should execute to effectively concede with its interoperability responsibilities concerning several iOS connectivity components, predominantly utilised for and by connected devices. These can be automatic Wi-Fi connection, notifications, AirPlay automatic Bluetooth audio switching and AirDrop.
Moreover, the preliminary results in the second specification proceedings delineate the proposed actions that the EU Commission regards Apple should execute regarding the request-based approach developers need to go through to receive interoperability with a particular iPadOS feature or iOS.
To assure that these proposed actions achieve practical interoperability in keeping with the DMA, the EU Commission undertook two public consultations: on the criteria relevant for connected devices pursuing interoperability with iOS, as well as on Apple’s interoperability request procedure for third parties.
EU Commission stated the concerned parties have until 9 January 2025 to present their thoughts on each of the two groups of measures. Under the Digital Markets Act, Apple must deliver businesses and developers with free and useful interoperability with hardware and software elements owned by its operating system iPadOS and iOS, which are central platform assistance for which Apple was assigned as gatekeeper.
What measures has the Commission previously taken against Apple?
In July 2024, the European Commission notified Apple of its preliminary opinion that its App Store rules violate the Digital Markets Act (DMA), as they stop app developers from voluntarily steering consumers to substitute channels for recommendations and content. In addition, the EU Commission also unlocked a new non-compliance process against Apple over worries that its new contractual conditions for third-party app stores and app developers, including Apple’s latest “Core Technology Fee”, lacked ensuring adequate adherence with Apple’s obligations under the Digital Markets Act.
