The European Union (EU) is intensifying its efforts to compel Apple to open its iOS operating system to competitors, a move that stems from the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Bloomberg is reporting.
On Wednesday, the European Commission urged Apple to make iOS more interoperable with devices like smartwatches, earbuds, and other third-party technologies.
In a publicly released document, the Commission detailed several requirements, including giving third-party developers better access to key iOS features and providing dedicated support for developers seeking such access. Regulators also called for Apple to streamline its processes for handling rejected access requests and to take concrete steps to resolve disputes.
Additionally, the EU released a comprehensive list of iPhone features it wants Apple to open up, including technologies enabling Wi-Fi connections, file transfers, and video casting between devices.
Apple has strongly pushed back against the EU’s demands, asserting that its closed ecosystem provides better privacy protections and a superior user experience. The company voiced particular concern over what it sees as risks posed by the DMA’s requirements, claiming they would force Apple to expose user data to third parties with questionable privacy practices.
“Meta is seeking access to Apple technologies in ways that compromise user privacy and security,” Apple stated, specifically singling out the parent company of Facebook. Meta has submitted more access requests under the DMA than any other company, according to Apple.
“Apple is the only company being compelled to open its technologies to everyone, including those without a demonstrated commitment to user privacy,” the iPhone maker said in an online statement.
Meta, which develops hardware like Quest virtual reality headsets and smart glasses, has previously clashed with Apple over in-app fees and privacy settings. The social media giant argues that Apple’s resistance to interoperability stifles competition.
“What Apple is really saying is they don’t believe in interoperability,” a Meta spokesperson countered. “Every time Apple faces scrutiny for anticompetitive behavior, they hide behind unfounded privacy claims.”
With the DMA, Meta now has an opportunity to integrate its products more deeply with Apple’s ecosystem. This includes access to Siri, iPhone payment chips, and other proprietary technologies.
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