The European Union has sent Apple preliminary instructions on how to comply with interoperability provisions in the bloc's Digital Markets Act (DMA), its flagship market contestability reform. The move aims to promote fair competition by granting device manufacturers and app developers access to nine iOS connectivity features that were previously restricted to Apple's exclusive use.

According to the Commission, this will enable Bluetooth headphones, smartwatches, connected TVs, or other non-Apple devices to work seamlessly with iPhones. Additionally, Google could leverage this opportunity to make AirDrop compatible with Android devices. The EU's instructions follow the Commission's opening of two specification proceedings on Apple in September, focusing on ensuring the DMA's interoperability requirements are effectively met.

The first proceeding concentrates on Apple allowing connected devices to tap into iOS's connectivity features, including notifications and device pairing. The second proceeding addresses requests for interoperability made by third-party app developers with features of Apple's iOS and iPadOS platforms. The Commission recommends improved access to technical documentation and better communication with third-party companies using those features.

As a designated "gatekeeper" under the DMA, Apple's mobile platforms are subject to the regulation's interoperability rules for so-called "core platform services." The EU is concerned that Apple is not providing a level playing field for third-party connected devices to integrate with its platforms, such as displaying iOS notifications on a non-Apple smartwatch screen or having a smooth iPhone pairing experience with a non-Apple smart speaker.

Apple has expressed its discontent with the DMA, accusing the EU of singling out its business and framing the moves as anti-innovation and meddling micromanagement by public officials. The company argues that the bloc's actions could limit which technologies and features it makes available in the region, as it would be forced to make all its innovations immediately available to rivals.

Moreover, Apple claims the specification proceedings could lead to dire consequences for its European users' privacy and security, as it would be required to send unencrypted data to third parties. The company argues that the interoperability requirements mean it will be forced to expose potentially sensitive user data to outside developers that could abuse the information for tracking and profiling.

Social media ad giant Meta, which has been a leading requester of app interoperability capabilities, has been cited as an example of entities seeking to use the DMA to obtain unfettered access to user information for their own commercial gain. Apple also claims the EU barred it from providing information to users about potential risks when they agree to receive their iOS notifications on a third-party device.

In response to the EU's preliminary decision, Apple stated that the decisions "wrap us in red tape, slowing down Apple's ability to innovate for users in Europe and forcing us to give away our new features for free to companies who don't have to play by the same rules. It's bad for our products and for our European users." The company has vowed to continue working with the European Commission to address its concerns on behalf of its users.

However, several smaller companies have been complaining about Apple's lack of interoperability, citing restrictions that make third-party smartwatches worse than the Apple Watch. Pebble creator Eric Migicovsky, who recently unveiled his new smartwatches, has written a blog post explaining the limitations imposed by Apple. Migicovsky disagrees with Apple's attacks on the DMA, stating that the company is using its market power to lock consumers into its walled ecosystem, reducing competition and innovation.

Migicovsky's company is petitioning Apple under DMA Article 6 to request interoperability with Apple Watch APIs, allowing it to access the same functionality as the Apple Watch. Many startup founders quietly agree that Apple should allocate a small portion of its development resources to create a level playing field, enabling anyone to innovate and compete fairly with the tech giant.

The EU's move marks a significant step towards promoting fair competition in the tech industry, and its implications will be closely watched by industry players and regulators alike. As the DMA continues to shape the digital landscape, it remains to be seen how Apple and other gatekeepers will adapt to the new regulatory environment.