EU regulation has led to Apple being pressured to open up iOS in ways in which many by no means anticipated, however it’s not performed simply but. In an effort to make sure “efficient interoperability” with different platforms, the EU desires Apple to make native options of iOS being suitable with Android, together with the likes of AirDrop and extra.
A brand new doc launched by the European Commission this week reveals quite a few methods the EU desires Apple to vary iOS and its options to be extra interoperable with different platforms.
There are some adjustments to iOS itself, similar to opening up notifications to work on third-party smartwatches as they do with the Apple Watch. Similarly, the EU desires Apple to let iOS apps work within the background as Apple’s first-party apps do, as it is a battle of some apps, particularly companion apps for equipment similar to smartwatches (aside from the Apple Watch, after all).
But there are additionally some iOS options that the EU straight desires Apple to confide in different platforms, together with Android.
This begins with AirDrop, which at the moment solely works between iOS and macOS units. The EU explains:
Apple shall present a protocol specification that provides third events all data required to combine, entry, and management the AirDrop protocol inside an software or service (together with as a part of the working system) operating on a third-party related bodily system as a way to permit these functions and providers to ship information to, and obtain information from, an iOS system.
The EU additionally desires Apple to open up AirPlay to different platforms, one thing the corporate has technically already performed. AirPlay is supported on some TVs and merchandise from different manufacturers, however the means to really connect with one thing over AirPlay is at the moment restricted solely to iOS. Google’s Cast tech, against this, works on Android, iOS, and different platforms. The EU desires Apple to “make obtainable the likelihood for a third-party related bodily system to turn into an AirPlay sender.”
As our sister website 9to5Mac factors out, Apple has responded to this EU doc, prominently criticizing the EU for placing out a mandate that “may expose your personal data.” Apple’s doc primarily focuses in on Meta, which the corporate says has made “extra interoperability requests” than anybody else. Apple says that opening AirPlay to Meta would “[create] a brand new class of privateness and safety points, whereas giving them information about customers properties.”
The EU is taking session on this case till January 9, 2025, and if Apple doesn’t comply when the order is ultimately put in force, it may lead to heavy fines.
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