EU mandates Apple to open access to iOS notifications, AirDrop & AirPlay to third parties
After being forced to allow sideloading of apps, third-party app stores, and the removal of core apps, the European Union has mandated Apple to grant third-party devices access to several core iOS features in order to improve interoperability between iPhones and third-party devices as part of the Digital Markets Act.
This requires Apple to allow third-party devices, like smartwatches, full access to iOS notifications and background execution privileges, similar to the Apple Watch. The mandate also calls for the development of alternatives to AirDrop and AirPlay, enabling third-party companies to create fully-integrated competing file-sharing and media streaming services.
Headphone manufacturers will gain access to features similar to AirPods, including automatic pairing and audio switching, while accessories will have automatic access to Wi-Fi details and high-bandwidth peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connections. Additionally, Apple must open its NFC chip to allow third-party devices to communicate payment card details, enhancing competition in mobile payments. The EU requires that any new Apple features involving first-party hardware, APIs or frameworks, must also be released to third-party manufacturers concurrently with Apple's own platform, with the company obligated to provide interoperability free of charge.
A timeline has been set to implement all this changes: beta support for third-party iOS notifications is expected by the end of 2025, with a full rollout in 2026. Media casting alternatives to AirPlay are anticipated by the end of 2026, with full interoperability likely in iOS 19 and iOS 20. Despite criticizing the EU's decision, arguing it stifles innovation and forces Apple to offer features for free to competitors, the company has confirmed it will comply with the law and begin implementing changes with iOS 19.
Related news
External links
- Commission provides guidance under Digital Markets Act to facilitate development of innovative products on Apple's platformsEuropean Commission • Official source
- Apple ordered by EU antitrust regulators to open up to rivalsReuters
- EU orders Apple to open up access to iOS notifications, allow AirDrop alternativesGSMArena
- The EU finally tells Apple to tear down its walled gardenAndroid Police
- Apple faces EU crackdown over closed technologyDigital Watch Observatory
Comments
I wish EU could do something about Google having a literal monopoly on RCS Protocol on Android
The EU is doing great work. Always good news to know that the walled prison is being forced open. With these artificial restrictions lifted, Apple users are going to see more competition, options, better products and prices.
this is going a little bit too far, a company, as big is it is, should be able to keep some of it's features exclusive. while I don't like apple products at all, I disagree with this over-regulation by the EU. they are going a little overboard here with this demand.
Great to see that EU doesn't fall for classical "bad for innovation, bad for security, bad for users" argument when companies are gently asked to improve innovation, security and user experience by using or creating standards. And it's still pretty sad to see that only something as big as EU (with a population of 450M), can change anything, and not group of even few thousands people. Of course, the rest of the world still have to wait for Apple to open "their" devices (that should be owned by users) by itself, because except USB-C, I'm not sure that Apple has improved anything for all users, even for last devices (i.e. the ones that support recent iOS versions).
The EU is getting ever more behind in economical, technological, and innovation terms. Apple should pursue their own strategy and not be forced to bend the knee to these regulations. Those who don't want do use Apple have plenty of alternatives: Calyx, Graphene, Google, /e/, Lineage, etc. I don't like Apple at all, and their closed system made specifically to trap users in, but it's time for us, consumers, to discipline them. Let normies rot and pay their overpriced charges.