European Union Starts Apple's Actions Regarding Ecosystem Opening For Competitors

Margrethe Vestager, head of EU antitrust (PHOTO: X @vestager)

JAKARTA The European Union's antitrust regulator has begun decisive measures against Apple to ensure the technology company complies with new rules requiring them to open its closed ecosystem to competitors. This move is part of the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) which has been in effect since last year.

The move, referred to as specification procedures, will determine the steps Apple has to take to fulfill its DMA-regularized interoperability obligations, or Apple is threatened with a large fine. Margrethe Vestager, the EU's antitrust chief, said it was the first time they had used the procedure to help Apple fulfill its obligations through constructive dialogue.

IOS' Interoperability Focus

This process focuses on connectivity features on iOS for smart devices such as smartwatches, headphones, virtual reality headsets, and other internet-connected devices. The European Commission intends to establish how Apple should provide effective interoperability to features such as notifications, device linking, and connectivity.

In addition, the second process relates to how Apple responds to interoperability requests from developers and third parties for iOS and iPadOS. Both processes are scheduled to be completed within six months.

Transparency For Developers

The European Commission stressed the importance of a transparent, timely, and fair process so that all developers have an effective and predictable path to achieving interoperability and encouraging innovation. Apple said it would cooperate with the Commission, but warned of risks that might arise if their security systems were compromised.

"Damaging the protection we have built could endanger European consumers by providing more access to bad actors to their devices and data," Apple said in a statement.