The European Commission on Wednesday directed Apple to revamp its iOS operating system to make it more compatible with rival smartwatches, earbuds, headphones and other devices. In documents posted online, the regulator said external iOS developers should be given more details on how to request access to iPhone features. They should also be provided with a dedicated contact person to deal with these requests, the committee said. The group also wants Apple to adopt better processes for handling rejected requests and take steps to mediate them.
Apple says its closed system provides consumers with a superior experience and better protects privacy. Meanwhile, the European Union has struggled to rein in the power of giant U.S. tech companies.
As part of that effort, regulators unveiled an extensive list of features they want Apple to open up to third-party developers. These capabilities range from Wi-Fi connectivity and file transfer capabilities to streaming video from the device.
In this regard, Apple said that the European Union's "Digital Market Act" has established a series of extensive protection measures for the world's largest technology platforms, which will bring risks to users. In an online filing, the company said the rules force users to "open up their devices and most sensitive data to companies with a track record of violating privacy."
The company specifically noted that Facebook parent company Meta has made more requests to access Apple's sensitive technology under the DMA than any other company: "Meta's attempts to change functionality have raised concerns about user privacy and security."
In recent years, Meta has developed hardware devices that pair with iPhones and Android devices, including the Quest virtual reality headset and smart glasses. Meta has also clashed with Apple over privacy features and in-app charges for iOS apps, saying the issues were hurting the social media giant's business.
According to the DMA, Meta now has the opportunity to make its products work more seamlessly with Apple's technology. One of the purposes of the flagship rule is to ensure that other developers have access to key Apple features, such as Siri voice commands and payment chips.
Apple said: "These procedures will harm innovation - companies should be able to compete with each other to make their products work together in new ways to benefit users without having to cede their ideas to competitors. Apple is the only company forced to share its innovations in this way with everyone else, including those who do not share Apple's commitment to user privacy."
If Apple does not comply with the DMA's regulations, the EU may decide to launch a formal investigation early next year. This could ultimately lead to hefty fines, amounting to as much as 10% of annual global sales.
The company already faces a concurrent investigation into its App Store rules for developers, which will also involve significant penalties.
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