According to the DMA, Apple must give third-party developers and manufacturers access to entire sections of iOS, which the manufacturer currently reserves for its own products. As gatekeeper—as decided by the European Commission—Apple must improve the interoperability of the iPhone operating system with its rivals' devices.
Fewer functions for European users
In concrete terms, the process of pairing headphones, wireless earphones, or a mixed reality headset must be as simple as with AirPods or the Vision Pro. The same goes for a smartwatch. Data transfer will have to be just as efficient between an iPhone and another device as with AirDrop… In March, Brussels reminded Apple of this interoperability obligation.
And it is this decision against which Apple filed an appeal before the General Court of the European Union in Luxembourg on May 30, the deadline for the appeal. The company told 01net that "the interoperability requirements imposed by the European Union threaten [the] foundation" of its technology, namely to function "in a fluid and integrated manner, in order to offer the unique experience that our users expect and appreciate."
Apple also deplores that the EU decision introduces "an unreasonable, costly process that stifles innovation." The manufacturer explains that these obligations will open the door to iOS to companies "hungry for sensitive data", in other words "a major privacy and security risk for our European users".
Several rivals have already requested access to iPhone users' data ("ranging from the content of their notifications to the complete history of Wi-Fi networks saved on their devices"), which allows them to obtain personal information "that Apple does not consult". This strongly suggests Meta, which was already in Apple's sights last December.
The American group asserts that the European rules are "flawed" and that they only target Apple "and no other company" - and for good reason, since Apple is a gatekeeper and therefore subject to obligations. Once again, the Apple company is threatening: these measures will "seriously limit our ability to offer innovative products and features in Europe."
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