On Thursday 19 September, the European Commission opened two specification procedures “to help Apple comply with its interoperability obligations under the Digital Markets Act (‘DMA’)”, it said in a press release.
This procedure, which the Commission is using for the very first time, allows it to indicate to the entity concerned, on its own initiative, what it must do to comply with the legislation.
“Under the Digital Markets Act, Apple must provide free and effective interoperability to third-party developers and companies with the hardware and software functionalities controlled by Apple’s iOS and iPadOS operating systems, designated under the digital market legislation”, explains the Commission.
The first proceeding concerns several iOS connectivity features and functionalities, mainly used for and by connected devices (smartwatches, headphones and virtual reality headsets). Companies offering these products depend on effective interoperability with smartphones and their operating systems, such as iOS.
The Commission wants to clarify how Apple will ensure effective interoperability with features such as notifications, device pairing and connectivity.
The second procedure relates to Apple’s process for handling interoperability requests submitted by developers and third parties for iOS and iPadOS.
It is “essential that the application procedure is transparent, fast and fair so that all developers have an efficient and predictable route to interoperability and are able to innovate”.
The Commission will conclude the procedure in six months’ time. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)