The European Union is urging Apple to make iOS and iPadOS more compatible with third-party devices.
The EU Commission published draft recommendations aimed at improving interoperability after launching two investigations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in September.
The proposals focus on features like automatic audio switching, better Bluetooth and network connectivity, and improved notifications.
They also address data transfer issues in services like AirDrop and AirPlay, along with device pairing and Wi-Fi sharing.
Apple has raised privacy and security concerns about these demands. In a recent white paper, the company criticized requests from “data-hungry companies” like Meta, claiming such access could compromise user data.
Meta responded by accusing Apple of being anticompetitive, stating, “Apple doesn’t believe in interoperability.”
The EU is accepting feedback on the recommendations until January 9, 2025. Final rules are expected by March 2025.
If Apple does not comply, it could face fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.
