EU: Apple Must Open iOS and iPadOS to Competition Within Six Months

The European Commission is warning that Apple may need to do more to ensure its operating systems, iOS (for iPhones) and iPadOS (for tablets), can work effectively with technologies from competitors. The daily administration has announced two procedures to specify the legal requirements for the American company.

According to the new European Digital Services Act (DSA), large technological companies must provide enough space for competitors to use their key platforms, such as iOS. This is intended to prevent abuse of power.

The European Commission will be examining in coming months whether Apple's mobile operating systems can better cooperate with devices like smartwatches, headphones, or VR goggles from competitors. Another procedure concerns the way Apple handles requests from other companies that want to develop products for iOS or iPadOS.

Too Many Restrictions

By six months' time, the Commission will present its findings. Then, it will also announce which steps Apple must take to further open its operating systems to rivals.

Apple and the European Commission often clash over the new DMA rules, which apply to companies with platforms that are so important they are considered 'gatekeepers'. The European Commission found that Apple imposes too many restrictions on apps within its App Store to redirect customers to other channels. Also, Apple has decided not to roll out its new AI technology in the European Union for now to avoid new conflicts.

The procedures the Commission is now announcing are not formal investigations. According to Margrethe Vestager (Competition) of EuroCommission, the EU administration wants to let Apple meet the rules through a 'constructive dialogue'. "We focus on ensuring fair and open digital markets," she states.