EU warns Apple against sharing iOS with competitors or facing financial penalties

The European Union has issued a warning to Apple, demanding that the tech giant make its iPhone and iPad operating systems available to competing technologies or face significant risks fines under the new antitrust regulations. This EUThe competition watchdog announced that Apple must comply with Digital Markets Act (DMA) within six months or face potential penalties.
EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager has announced that the Commission will use the DMA’s specifications procedure for the first time in history to help Apple effectively comply with the rules, a move that aims to force Apple to redesign its services, allowing rival companies to access the iOS and iPadOS ecosystems.
The deliberations cover two main areas: iOS connectivity features for devices such as smartwatches, headphones and virtual reality headsets, and Apple’s process for considering developer requests for third-party software Interoperability from iOS and iPadOS.
The Commission aims to define how Apple should ensure effective interoperability, allowing non-Apple devices to easily pair and connect with iPhones and receive notifications. The move aims to ensure fair and open digital markets, with a focus on smartphone operating systems playing a key role.
Apple responded by saying it had created ways for developers to request additional interoperability while protecting user security. The company warned that undermining built-in security could put European consumers at risk.
“Weakening the security we’ve built over the years would put European consumers at risk by giving bad actors more ways to access their devices and data,” Apple said in a statement to Reuters.
The action follows a preliminary ruling in June that Apple violated DMA rules by not allowing App Store developers to freely inform users about alternative payment methods outside of its ecosystem.
Apple has already made a number of changes to comply with the DMA, including opening iOS and iPadOS to third-party app stores and giving developers access to its NFC technology.
If Apple fails to comply, the EU could launch a formal investigation that could result in fines of up to 10% of the company’s global annual sales. The action is being conducted in parallel with an ongoing investigation into Apple’s App Store rules for developers.