The EU Commission wants iPhones to play nice with third-party smart wearables

The European Commission (EC) has initiated two proceedings to help Apple comply with its interoperability obligations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The key requirement on Cupertino’s part is to provide “free and effective interoperability with third-party developers and businesses with hardware and software features controlled by iOS and iPadOS”.

Apple must provide free and effective interoperability to third-party developers and businesses with hardware and software features controlled by Apple’s operating systems iOS and iPadOS, designated under the DMA.

In plain terms, this means the EU wants Apple to open up the advantages of its ecosystem to third-party devices like wireless earbuds, smartwatches, and VR headsets. This includes device pairing, notifications, and connectivity as specified by the EC.

The second requirement is for Apple to take iOS/iPadOS interoperability requests from third-party developers. The EC wants Apple to process requests “transparently, timely and fair” and at no extra costs. Apple issued an official statement confirming the rollout of interoperability for third-party iOS and iPadOS developers.

The EC’s new proceedings are set to wrap up next year. Failure to comply with the new proceedings will result in a fine that can go up to 10% of Apple’s global annual turnover.

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