The European Commission has unveiled draft proposals detailing how Apple must comply with interoperability requirements stipulated by the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Commission is inviting public feedback on these measures, which focus on areas such as iOS notifications, data transfer, and device setup, by January 9, 2025. European Union regulators have until mid-March 2025 to finalize decisions on the measures Apple must implement to ensure access for rivals as demanded by the DMA.
Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, App Store, and Safari web browser are all subject to this regulation, which aims to boost competition by allowing third parties to integrate their services with dominant platforms. The Commission announced two “specification proceedings” to clarify how the interoperability rules should be applied to Apple’s core platforms. Among the proposed requirements are measures intended to achieve “effective interoperability” with iOS notifications, background execution, automatic audio switching, data transfer features, and device setup and configuration.
Draft DMA interoperability for Apple
The Commission also aims to improve the request-based process set up by Apple for third parties seeking interoperability with iOS and iPadOS. Proposed measures include actions to enhance transparency around iOS and iPadOS features and functionalities reserved for Apple, and support for developers interested in interoperability, ensuring the process is effective and transparent.
In response to these proposals, Apple spokesman Tom Parker warned that abuse of DMA interoperability requirements could jeopardize user privacy, stating, “Data-hungry companies across the globe may weaponize interoperability.” Apple argued that these processes could hurt innovation by compelling companies to share their ideas with competitors. Apple emphasized the importance of careful consideration in providing developers with access to iOS and iPadOS functionalities, ensuring user protection. “Without the right protections, giving third parties access to parts of users’ devices could expose their personal information,” Apple stated.
The Commission’s consultation seeks technical views on the effectiveness, completeness, feasibility, and proposed timelines for the measures. Feedback from interested parties and Apple will be assessed and may result in adjustments to the proposed measures before the Commission makes its final legally binding decision.
