According to reports, EU industry chief Thierry Breton today called on Apple CEO Tim Cook to open up its tightly guarded hardware and software ecosystem to competitors. Breton made the remarks after meeting with Cook in Brussels.
Breton told the media: "Under the EU's Digital Markets Act, the next job for Apple and other large technology companies is to open the door to competitors."
"Whether it's an e-wallet, a browser, or an app store, consumers using Apple iPhones should be able to benefit from competitive services from a range of providers," he said.
The EU's newly passed Digital Market Act sets out a list for Apple and other large technology companies, including what is allowed and what is not allowed, aiming to further strengthen market competition.
Breton also took aim at Apple's argument that security and privacy concerns are the reason it has a closed ecosystem. "EU regulation promotes innovation without compromising security and privacy," he said.
Apple's closed ecosystem has sparked widespread controversy over the years. In order to break the monopoly of large technology companies, including Apple, the European Union passed the Digital Market Act.
According to the bill, Apple will not be forced to bundle software, lock in a closed ecological environment, or restrict users to only use its own app store. The EU requires Apple to complete rectifications by March 6, 2024.