EU wants Apple to make iOS and iPadOS more open to third-party devices

The European Union has issued a list of technical requirements that fully outline how Apple must improve the compatibility of its iOS and iPadOS platforms with smartwatches, headphones and smart speakers from other vendors in order to comply with the region’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The lawmakers’ demands are aimed at changing the way Apple interacts with developers of devices compatible with the company’s ecosystem.

Above all, the EU wants the American company to improve the application process for developers who create devices compatible with the Apple ecosystem. More interestingly, lawmakers are demanding that Apple open up access to a range of software platform features, many of which must be met by the end of this year.

One of those demands was to open up developer access to the iOS notifications feature, which would finally allow third-party smartwatch makers to take advantage of notifications and provide the ability to interact with them, similar to what is currently available on the Apple Watch. The feature, which allows apps to run continuously in the background, would also allow third-party gadgets to more accurately provide information, such as weather, to synced iPhones.

Features like SharePlay and the ability to switch between different audio sources allow Apple headphones to automatically switch between different synced devices, such as from listening to music on an iPad to an incoming call on an iPhone. This capability should be available from third-party headphone makers, eliminating the need for iPhone owners in the region to buy AirPods. Apple should also allow third-party devices to use high-speed connections, which should improve the experience of third-party VR headsets.

Other platforms will also be able to send and receive data via AirDrop and AirPlay when connected to an Apple device, and iOS itself should support AirDrop and AirPlay analogues. Apple should also make it easier to set up third-party gadgets on the iPhone, eliminating the need to download a companion app. Developers will also have access to the ability to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks via the iPhone and the ability to receive banking data via NFC.

These requirements are mandatory. If Apple does not comply, the EU can impose large fines, up to 10% of annual turnover. Apple also has the opportunity to challenge the new EU requirements in court.