Brussels, 19 December 2024
The Commission has sent preliminary findings to Apple in the context of the two specification proceedings it started on 19 September 2024. These findings indicate the proposed measures for Apple to ensure interoperability of connected devices with iPhones and to make interoperability by third parties more predictable and transparent, as required by the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Under the DMA, Apple must provide developers and businesses with free and effective interoperability with hardware and software features controlled by its operating systems iOS and iPadOS, which are core platform services for which Apple was designated as gatekeeper.
Specification proceedings on connected devices
The preliminary findings in the first specification proceedings outline the proposed measures the Commission considers Apple should implement to effectively comply with its interoperability obligations in relation to several iOS connectivity features, predominantly used for and by connected devices. These can be notifications, automatic Wi-Fi connection, AirPlay, AirDrop, or automatic Bluetooth audio switching.
Opening iOS connectivity features and enabling interoperability with third-party devices will lead to increased innovation in the market and improve choice for iOS users of physical connected devices such as smartwatches or headphones.
Specification proceedings on the process for interoperability requests
The preliminary findings in the second specification proceedings outline the proposed measures that the Commission considers Apple should implement in relation to the request-based process developers need to go through to obtain interoperability with a specific iOS or iPadOS feature. The proposed measures include increased upfront transparency of internal iOS and iPadOS features, timely communication and updates, fair and transparent handling of rejections and a more predictable timeline.
To ensure that these proposed measures achieve effective interoperability in compliance with the DMA, the Commission launched two public consultations on:
- The measures relevant for connected devices seeking interoperability with iOS.
- Apple’s interoperability request process for third parties.
Interested parties have until 9 January 2025 to submit their views on each of the two sets of measures.
The non-confidential summaries of the two proceedings and the envisaged measures are also available on the consultation pages.
Next Steps
The Commission will carefully assess the feedback provided by interested parties and by Apple. The input received may trigger adjustments to the measures that will be included in the two final binding decisions.
The Commission has six months from the opening of the two specification proceedings to adopt the final decisions.
Background
Under the DMA, the Commission may adopt a decision in which it specifies the measures that a gatekeeper needs to implement to comply with the obligations in Articles 6 and 7 of the DMA. Specification proceedings aim to provide details on the obligation, and do not assess the gatekeeper’s compliance. The adoption of preliminary findings is an intermediate step which allows the concerned gatekeeper and third parties to provide feedback on the measures the Commission intends to specify.
Specification proceedings and non-compliance cases are two distinct tools at the disposal of the Commission, which have different purposes. In contrast with non-compliance cases, specification proceedings are about the details of compliance with the obligation itself.
More Information
- Public consultation of the proposed specification measures for connected devices
- DMA.100203 – Apple – Operating systems – iOS – Article 6(7) – SP – Features for Connected Physical Devices
- Public consultation of the proposed specification measures for process
- DMA.100204 – Apple – Operating systems – iOS and iPadOS – Article 6(7) – SP – Process