The Digital Markets Act targets tech giants whose platforms can prioritize their services, to the detriment of those of third-party developers. It is for example to comply with this EU legislation that Apple opened its iOS platform to competitors of the App Store, as well as to direct downloads of applications from the web. But the European Commission does not stop there, since it also asks the Cupertino company to improve the interoperability of products affected by the Digital Markets Act with connected accessories offered by Apple’s competitors in this sector.
As Bloomberg reports, the European Commission recently published a document in which it explains that third-party developers must obtain detailed information on how requests are made to access certain features of the iPhone. Brussels also requires a transparent process and a contact within Apple to manage these developer requests. In addition, in the event of refusal of a developer’s request, Apple should provide a conciliation process.
“Apple must (among other obligations) provide third parties with effective and free interoperability with the same hardware and software features that Apple has and that are accessible or controlled through iOS and iPadOS”indicates the European Commission. In other words, Apple connected accessories should not have any advantages over those produced by third-party companies.
The cloth is burning
A fan of closed systems, Apple is of course critical of this approach. And as usual, the firm believes that interoperability endangers the privacy of its users. “We are concerned that some companies, whose data practices do not meet the high data protection standards established by the EU and supported by Apple, may attempt to abuse the interoperability provisions of the DMA to access data sensitive users”we read in this document.
Meta pointed out
The Cupertino company points the finger in particular at the Meta group. The latter has already sent 15 interoperability requests “which, if accepted, would reduce the personal data protections that our users are entitled to expect from their devices.” Mark Zuckerberg’s company has already reacted. Quoted by Bloomberg, a representative explains: “What Apple is really saying is that it doesn’t believe in interoperability. Every time Apple is accused of anti-competitive behavior, it defends itself on privacy grounds that have no basis in reality.” Meta markets mixed reality headsets and connected glasses that would benefit from better interoperability with Apple product hardware.
In September, the Commission opened procedures to clarify Apple’s obligations in terms of interoperability, to comply with the Digital Markets Act. It is within the framework of this procedure that the documents cited by Bloomberg were published. Currently, the Commission is consulting interested parties, before validating the interoperability measures planned with Apple.
- While Apple has already opened iOS to App Store competitors to comply with the Digital Markets Act, the European Commission also demands that the firm improve the interoperability of the iPhone with third-party products
- Interested developers will be able to submit interoperability requests to access certain iPhone features, and the Commission requires a transparent process
- Currently, Brussels is consulting interested parties, before validating the measures that will be taken by Apple
