Did you know Apple Ordered By EU to Open Up iPhone’s Connectivity Features So Third Party Devices Can Benefit

 

Tech giant Apple has received orders from the EU to further open up the iPhone’s connectivity features so third-party devices like headphones and smartwatches can benefit.

The goal is to enable them to tap into various iOS offerings by Apple and is in line with the region’s DMA. Basically, the EU wants to foster healthier competition among tech giants by creating a more leveled playing field among various social media Apps , video-sharing apps, and search engines. The same goes for cloud systems, operating systems, and beyond.

Apple designated several large firms as gatekeepers who continue to be scrutinized. That group entails Apple was complying with the DMA’s requirements for interoperability. Now this week, we saw more work done on that front including an investigation that spoke about what Apple needs to do to better comply with the Digital Market’s Act requirements.

The EU shared how nine iOS offerings were predominately used for the likes of connected devices like TVs, smart devices, and headphones. So now, the regulators want Apple to say yes to device producers and app developers who wish to access their features that ming with such devices.

This can include allowing quicker data transfers, displaying alerts on smartwatches, and simpler setup pairing for devices. Remember, all of the EU’s latest set of instructions arrive with deadlines. This iOS notification alert for smartwatches needs to be implemented by next year June. At the same time, instructions to design alternatives for AirDrop and AirPlay need to arrive by the end of next year.

The EU says it wishes for Apple to have better transparency and effectiveness in this entire process that developers follow to attain interoperability through various devices. The EU wants the company to give developers the right documents on how to design alternatives for features like AirDrop and AirPlay.

Furthermore, the Commission is asking Apple to produce a new channel whereby developers can roll out tech queries and feedback about the implementation of different features linked to hardware and software offerings through iOS.

All new instructions are coming with deadlines for Apple. So as one can expect, the Cupertino firm is not happy with the news. They called the matter one which bounds the firm in red tape. This really slows them down restricts innovation for various users across the EU and forces them to give new features away.

The goal is to level the playing field for all and ensure healthy competition where developers can similarly benefit. But Apple fails to see the light at the end of this tunnel. They called the decision a poor one that can negatively impact its products for EU users. However, it did hope to sit down with the EC and make them understand what reservations they have on this matter.

Before this news, we saw Apple be fined for practices on the App Store. It was also forced to enable third-party app stores on different devices.