iPhone: the EU still asks Apple to make efforts, even if it means putting users in danger
The battle between Apple and the European Union continues to intensify. Eager to enforce his digital markets Act, the EU considers that theOpening of the iPhone (Applications distribution, NFC, default apps…) Remains insufficient. This is how two directives have just been adopted by the European Commission to force Apple to open its ecosystem even more. Here are the changes requested!
As we mentioned in a dedicated articlethe first request from the European Union concerns the opening of iPhone connectivity, starting with the iOS notification system for connected devices, like what Apple Watch offers with the iPhone.
It is also requested that the system functionalities of Airpods are accessible to headphones and helmets from other brands. We are talking about automatic pairing nearby or the automatic connection to the Apple device in use.
For other connected products, Apple must allow competition to offer similar software functionalities to Airplay and Airdrop. Connected devices must also be able to access information from the Wi-Fi network or the NFC chip to exchange data, including the user's payment card details with third-party connected devices.
This increased interoperability of iOS has a release date. In collaboration with Apple, thePrecise EU That the opening of notifications would arrive in beta by the end of 2025, and in the final version in 2026. The other changes would be deployed gradually from next year.
The changes requested would begin to arrive under iOS 19 And would all be integrated with iOS 20.
Apple's response to the EU
Via 9TO5MACApple reacted strongly to this decision of the European Commission. The company led by Tim Cook thus said: “These decisions envelop us as a paperwork, slowing Apple's ability to innovate for users in Europe and forcing us to give our new features for free companies that do not have to respect the same rules”.
An opening to competition which would therefore limit the exclusivity of certain functions of its ecosystem by opening it to competing services on its own phones. “It's bad for our products and for our European users”adds the firm to the apple.
It also expresses fears about the opening of notifications, which could allow certain crucial security to beyond confidentiality and data security of its users.
“The company has indicated that these measures would allow companies to suck all the notifications of users in non -encrypted form to their servers, thus bypassing all the confidentiality protections usually applied by Apple”relay 9TO5MAC.
