EU wants to force Apple to open up operating system to rival technology

The European Union said Thursday it would take steps to force Apple to open up its iPhone and iPad operating systems to competing technologies under the Union’s tough new digital rules, which could face hefty fines if it breaks the rules.

The EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, has said it has launched two specification processes laying out what Apple must do under the 27-nation bloc’s Digital Markets Act.

The DMA is designed to prevent Big Tech gatekeepers from dominating digital markets, including by breaking up closed tech ecosystems. It requires tech companies to make their systems interoperable with rivals, so consumers can move between platforms more easily.

One process will focus on how connected devices such as smartwatches and headphones will effectively interoperate with Apple’s operating system. The other will look at how Apple handles interoperability requests from software developers for iOS and iPadOS, which should be done in a “transparent, timely and fair” manner, the commission said.

During the process, which will take up to six months, the commission will send its findings to Apple. It is the first time the commission has used this process since the DMA went into effect earlier this year. The bloc is already investigating Apple over its App Store rules for developers.

Margrethe Vestager, the commission’s executive vice-president in charge of competition policy, said in a press release that the process will provide clarity for developers and Apple.

Apple said it has created ways for apps in the European Union to request additional interoperability with iOS and iPadOS while protecting our users.

“If we undermine the protections we have built up over time, we put European consumers at risk,” the company said, adding that it will continue to work constructively with the commission.