EU to Explain to Apple How to Comply with DMA, Apple Issues THIS Warning

European Union antitrust regulators launched an investigation Thursday to ensure iPhone maker Apple complies with DMA rules that require it to give rivals access to the vaults of its closed ecosystem. If Apple fails to give other players a fair chance, it could face a hefty fine. The European Commission now plans to explain what Apple must do to comply with the EU DMA. But Apple has warned that weakening protections would put European consumers at risk by giving rogue players more ways to access their devices and data.

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said in a statement: “Today, for the first time, we are using the DMA’s specification procedures to guide Apple towards effectively fulfilling its interoperability commitments through constructive dialogue.”

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The subject of investigations by the European Commission

The EU competition authority said its initial investigation focused on iOS’ connectivity features and functionality related to smartwatches, headphones, virtual reality headsets and other internet-enabled devices.

The Commission stated that “the Commission intends to determine how Apple will ensure effective interoperability for functionalities such as notifications, device pairing and connectivity.”

The second focus of the investigation is how Apple handles interoperability requests from developers and third parties for its iOS and iPadOS systems. Both investigations are expected to be completed within the next six months.

It added: “It is crucial that the application process is transparent, timely and fair so that all developers have an efficient and predictable path to interoperability and can innovate.”

Apple, on the other hand, said it would continue to work constructively with the investigating authority, but also warned of risks. Apple said: “Weakening the protections we’ve built over time would put European consumers at risk by giving bad actors more ways to access their devices and data.”