
EU Pushes Apple for Greater Interoperability in Tech Ecosystem | Image Source: www.androidpolice.com
BRUSSELS, 21 December 2024 – The European Union (EU) ​has presented a bold proposal which could ​significantly alter the apple ecosystem. ​As reported by the ​Android police, the latest draft EU document ​describes measures that require greater interoperability between Apple devices and third-party platforms. If ​implemented, these changes could benefit consumers by allowing features such as seamless file transfers and simplified matching processes between iOS devices and not Apple.
Expanding Apple’s Ecosystem Limits
The EU has long criticized Apple for maintaining what many call a “wall garden”, where products and services work harmoniously only in the company’s ecosystem. With the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the European Commission forced Apple to introduce USB-C ports into iPhones, support ​Rich ​Communication ​Services (RCS), and open ​its App Store to third-party ​payment systems. Now, the EU is targeting other features that ensure interoperability across platforms, according to the Android font.
Main ​features of the focus
The European Commission’s project proposes to modify several Apple functions classified as interactivity, data transfer and device configuration. Among them, measures targeting Air ​Drop, AirPlay and proximity matching are ​likely to have the greatest impact on the consumer. These features, which currently ​operate exclusively within the ​Apple ​ecosystem, should ​be open to third parties, providing features similar to competing devices.
AirDrop: Share seamless files for all
One of the main aspects of the EU proposal is Apple’s mandate to make ​AirDrop accessible to third-party platforms. “Apple will ensure effective interoperability with the ​Air Drop function,” explains the ​document, noting that ​third-party developers should have access to the Air Drop API. This would allow users ​to transfer files between iOS and Android devices without any problems. In addition, any Air Drop update would be necessary to be simultaneously available for Apple ​and third ​party developers, ensuring parity in functionality, as described by the Android font.
AirPlay: Cross-Form Media Casting
Like AirDrop, AirPlay is another key ​element ​led by the EU. According to the project, Apple must allow external devices to act as AirPlay receivers. This change would allow iOS ​devices to launch content on non-Apple hardware ​and vice versa. Although AirPlay is already compatible with certain third-party televisions, ​the proposed ​measures could extend its functionality to a wide range ​of devices, thereby improving multiplatform multimedia distribution capabilities. The EU ​proposal could open new avenues ​for innovation and ​competition for end-users who depend on various physical ecosystems.
Proximity – Couple triggered: leisure barrier
The EU is also ​looking to address proximity, a feature currently ​reserved ​for Apple ​accessories such as AirPods and Apple Watch. As stated in the proposal, Apple should ensure that third-party accessories, such as headphones and smartsticks, can be combined with iPhones in a simple ​way such as ​Apple’s own devices. This would include identical user impulses ​and information ​screens, providing a level ​playing field for competing manufacturers. The Verge reports that ​this mandate is similar to Android’s Fast Pair technology, but optimized for iOS ​devices.
Industry Timelines ​and Feedback
According to ​the ​draft proposal, Apple is required to implement these measures for the next main launch of iOS, with a final deadline set for ​the end of 2025. The European Commission is currently ​requesting ​information from stakeholders, including Apple developers and ​third parties, before the end of the mandates. Adjustments to the proposal are possible on the basis of ​the replies received. As the Android police point out, Apple has expressed strong opposition to many of these measures, citing possible security concerns and ​user experience.
The EU’s aggressive attitude reflects its broader mission of limiting monopoly ​practices and promoting a competitive technological ecosystem. By breaking barriers within the Apple ecosystem, the proposals aim to strengthen consumer choice and interoperability. Although the measures are being reviewed, they represent a significant change in the way technology companies in Europe are regulated.