EU Commission points Apple to measures needed to open up to third-party operators

Brussels – Today, the European Commission adopted two decisions under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) specifying steps Apple must take to comply with certain aspects of its interoperability obligation. Interoperability enables deeper and smoother integration of third-party products with the Apple ecosystem. It is, therefore, critical to opening up new possibilities for third parties to develop innovative products and services on Apple’s gatekeeper platforms. As a result, European consumers will have a wider choice of products compatible with their Apple devices.

The Commission is helping Apple to comply by specifying the steps needed to enable interoperability with iOS for third-party connected devices and simplifying the process put in place by Apple to handle future interoperability requests with iPhone and iPad devices.

Connected Devices

The first set of measures covers nine iOS connectivity features used mostly for connected devices such as smartwatches, headphones, or TVs. The measures will provide device manufacturers and app developers with better 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 configuration (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 users’ experience in Europe. The measures ensure that this innovation takes place with full respect for users’ privacy and security, as well as the integrity of Apple’s operating systems.

Effective process for interoperability requests

The second set of measures improves the transparency and effectiveness of the process designed by Apple for developers interested in achieving interoperability with iPhone and iPad features. It includes better access to technical documentation on features not yet available to third parties, timely communications and updates, and a more predictable timeline for reviewing interoperability requests. Developers will benefit from quick and fair handling of their interoperability requests.

The measures will accelerate their ability to offer a broader choice to European consumers of innovative services and hardware that interact with iPhones and iPads.

The final measures in the two specification decisions follow a broad engagement with Apple and third-party input as part of the public consultation, launched on December 18, 2024.

The specification decisions are legally binding. Apple is required to implement the specified measures in accordance with the terms of the decisions. The specification decisions set out the timeframe for implementation of the specified measures and the steps to be taken by Apple.