A big bombshell just before Christmas: The EU Commission has published a far-reaching draft of interoperability requirements for iOS and iPadOS. It details which basic operating system functions Apple can no longer limit to its own “connected devices” such as Apple Watches and AirPods. The aim is for other manufacturers of smartwatches, headphones and VR headsets to be able to work together with iPhones to offer similar functions that have so far been reserved for Apple’s own devices.
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Notifications, data transfer, setup and more
In particular, this concerns the important areas of interactivity, data transfer and device setup, where Apple’s accessories usually shine with particular comfort. Dame Draft from EU Commission According to Apple, Apple needs to ensure that other smartwatches receive full notifications and can respond to them directly, as is the case with the Apple Watch. iPhone apps from manufacturers should also receive extended rights for background activities, for example loading data and transferring it to the smartwatch – here, too, there are currently restrictions on interaction with watches from other manufacturers. Offering instant audio switching between devices like AirPods will also be available to other headphone manufacturers in the future.
To improve data transfer, Apple should also ensure interoperability for AirDrop, AirPlay, Wi-Fi Direct connection, media casting, and locating devices in the immediate vicinity of the iPhone. Pairing of AirPods should also be open to third parties. Apple is no longer allowed to reserve functions such as convenient transmission of WLAN passwords to its own connected devices for its own hardware. Regarding NFC, the EU Commission is also seeking to further open it up.
The EU Commission writes that Apple should open all this up to third-party manufacturers through “well-documented frameworks and interfaces” – and free of charge. Apple is also explicitly prohibited from restricting it technically or contractually and from discouraging users through excessive warning messages.
The Commission has now called on companies and users to respond to the planned measuresWhich are required by the new EU digital law Digital Markets Act (DMA). The specific rules may still change until they become a regulation for Apple, possibly in the spring of 2025. In the spring, Apple had to open up iOS, and now also iPadOS, to alternative app stores. There’s a central setting for standard apps since iOS 18.2. For the first time, other wallets are also allowed to access the iPhone’s NFC interface. Now browsers with their own engines are also allowed, but no manufacturer offers it yet.
Apple warned – with a swipe at Meta
The iPhone maker sees itself being treated unfairly: Apple is the only company that “has to share its innovations with competitors,” it said in a statement. Like previous openings of its platform forced by the EU, the company warns of potential data security breaches: without the right protective mechanisms, releasing the interface would also allow “bad actors” to steal personal user data.
According to Apple, competitor Meta has already made 15 interoperability requests and wants deeper access to iOS. This could give apps like WhatsApp and Instagram detailed information and tracking capabilities. Meta spokesperson denied the allegations told reuters: “What Apple really means is that they don’t believe in interoperability”.
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