EU regulation has led to Apple being pressured to open up iOS in ways in which many by no means anticipated, but it surely’s not achieved simply but. In an effort to make sure “efficient interoperability” with different platforms, the EU desires Apple to make native options of iOS being appropriate with Android, together with the likes of AirDrop and extra.
A brand new document launched by the European Fee this week reveals quite a lot of methods the EU desires Apple to vary iOS and its options to be extra interoperable with different platforms.
There are some modifications to iOS itself, akin to opening up notifications to work on third-party smartwatches as they do with the Apple Watch. Equally, the EU desires Apple to let iOS apps work within the background as Apple’s first-party apps do, as this can be a wrestle of some apps, particularly companion apps for equipment akin to smartwatches (aside from the Apple Watch, after all).
However 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 present solely works between iOS and macOS gadgets. The EU explains:
Apple shall present a protocol specification that offers 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) working on a third-party linked bodily gadget with the intention to enable these functions and providers to ship information to, and obtain information from, an iOS gadget.
The EU additionally desires Apple to open up AirPlay to different platforms, one thing the corporate has technically already achieved. AirPlay is supported on some TVs and merchandise from different manufacturers, however the capacity to really connect with one thing over AirPlay is at present restricted solely to iOS. Google’s Solid tech, in contrast, works on Android, iOS, and different platforms. The EU desires Apple to “make obtainable the chance for a third-party linked bodily gadget to develop into an AirPlay sender.”
As our sister web site 9to5Mac points out, Apple has responded to this EU doc, prominently criticizing the EU for placing out a mandate that “might 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 might end in heavy fines.
Extra on iOS & Android:
Observe Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram
FTC: We use earnings incomes auto affiliate hyperlinks. More.
