The European Commission has announced the initiation of proceedings by informing Apple to comply with the details of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) on two aspects related to openness. This entails allowing external developers to access the iOS and iPadOS operating systems that fall under the DMA conditions to a greater extent.
The first issue specifies that iOS must allow external developers’ hardware to access various functions and capabilities more than it currently does, such as headphones, smartwatches, and VR headsets. The European Commission has not provided specifics but may pertain to notification features, sound systems, which Apple limits to certain device-specific abilities.
The second issue states that Apple must have a process for developers to efficiently request, contact, or access features within iOS and iPadOS. This process should be more transparent and have clearer deadlines.
Apple has six months to clarify and adjust as per the aforementioned requirements. Failure to comply may result in fines of up to 10% of annual revenue in the European region.
Julien Trosdorf, Apple’s representative, explained that Apple has revised guidelines for applications in the European Union on iOS and iPadOS to comply with DMA requirements while also ensuring user privacy protection. The company will collaborate with the European Commission to establish future compliance guidelines.
Source: European Commission and TechCrunch
TLDR: The European Commission has notified Apple to adhere to the Digital Markets Act regarding openness for developers on the iOS and iPadOS platforms. Non-compliance may lead to fines, and Apple has revised guidelines to align with DMA requirements.
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