EU spells out to Apple how it wants them to open up to rivals

European Union competition authorities have started proceedings against Apple, to ensure that the tech giant complies with regulations that force it to open its proprietary ecosystem to competitors.

Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into effect last year, the European Commission will define what the firm has to do to make sure that it follows the law.

Apple must provide free and effective interoperability to third-party developers and businesses with hardware and software features controlled by iOS and iPadOS.

Today, we've initiated two specification proceedings to assist Apple in complying with its interoperability… pic.twitter.com/wWPouytXdF

— European Commission (@EU_Commission) September 19, 2024

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said in a statement: “Today is the first time we use specification proceedings under the DMA to guide Apple towards effective compliance with its interoperability obligations through constructive dialogue. We are focused on ensuring fair and open digital markets.”

Vestager went on to clarify that “effective interoperability” will play an important role in this, as it would “provide clarity for developers, third parties and Apple.”

She added: “We will continue our dialogue with Apple and consult third parties to ensure that the proposed measures work in practice and meet the needs of businesses.”

The EU competition enforcer announced that the first investigation will focus on iOS connectivity functions related to smartwatches, headphones, virtual reality headsets, and other internet-connected devices.

The second investigation examines how Apple handles interoperability requests from developers and third parties for iOS and iPadOS. Both investigations are expected to conclude within six months.

The Commission added: “It is crucial that the request process is transparent, timely, and fair so that all developers have an effective and predictable path to interoperability and are enabled to innovate.”

Cited by Reuters, Apple responded: “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.”

ReadWrite has reported on several times when Apple faced the EU’s antitrust authorities. In August, the company was fined 13 billion euros (roughly $14.4 billion) in back taxes to Ireland. Vestager had claimed that Ireland had granted illegal benefits to the California-based company, suggesting this allowed them to pay less tax than other businesses.

Similarly, in February, they also faced a massive fine of around $539 million (€500m) after Spotify filed an antitrust complaint in 2019. The music streaming service suggested that Apple’s anti-competitive App Store functions had hindered third-party music streaming services on its devices.

ReadWrite has reached out to Apple for comment.

Featured image: Ideogram

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