The time has come that too Apple open the possibility for its users to use app Of third parties and not only those owned by Apple: this is the meaning of the request of the European Commission within the framework of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to make the markets of the digital sector fairer and more contestable. Consequently, the Cupertino multinational will have to give the green light to external developers and companies, within the hardware and software functions, to be able to be part of the operating systems iOS and iPadOS.
What’s new?
For the reasons just explained, the EU Commission has opened two separate proceedings so that Apple can do its utmost to comply with the obligations set out in the Digital Markets Act: consumers have the right to choose alternative channels that until now had not been possible. The first proceeding refers to various iOS connectivity features and functions including smartwatches, headphones and virtual reality viewers, but it is above all the second proceeding that is of greatest interest to users because it concerns interoperability requests submitted by developers and third parties for iOS and iPadOS.
“Greater clarity”
“Today marks the first time we have used specification processes under the DMA to guide Apple toward effective compliance with its interoperability obligations through constructive dialogue,” said Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President of the Commission. “We are focused on ensuring fair and open digital markets. This process will provide clarity for developers, third parties and Apple. We will continue our dialogue with Apple and consult with third parties to ensure that the proposed measures work in practice and meet the needs of businesses.”.
What changes for users
In short, Apple users, in addition to Apple-branded products, will be able to download other programs and apps and use them on iPhone and iPad. This issue had already been discussed in recent months when the EU had made it clear that Cupertino was violating the laws of digital markets.
According to the timeframes set by the Commission, these proceedings will be concluded within six months of their initiation and during this period the preliminary conclusions will be communicated to Apple.”explaining the measures it should take to effectively comply with the interoperability obligation under the DMA. A summary of the preliminary conclusions and the measures envisaged will be published to allow third parties to provide comments”.