EU directs Apple to allow competition
The US technology giant may incur hefty penalties if it does not ensure its operating system is accessible to rival companies. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The European Union has issued a warning to Apple, instructing the company to grant third-party access to its iPhone and iPad operating systems or risk facing substantial penalties. The European Commission's antitrust authorities initiated specification proceedings against the American technology corporation on Thursday.
Regulators from the bloc are insisting that Apple adhere to the EU’s recent Digital Markets Act, which mandates that operating systems fully integrate with various technologies.
"Today is the first time we use specification proceedings under the DMA to guide Apple towards effective compliance with its interoperability obligations through constructive dialogue," stated Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s antitrust chief. She further noted, "Effective interoperability, for example with smartphones and their operating systems, plays an important role in this."
The competition authority highlighted that the initial proceeding is focusing on the interoperability of iOS with amenities like smartwatches, headphones, virtual reality headsets, and other internet-connected gadgets.
In another aspect of the proceedings, the commission is evaluating how Apple's operating system allows third-party developers to interface with iPhone and iPad functionalities, encompassing features like Siri voice commands and the payment chip.
Reuters reports that the European Commission is aiming to conclude these proceedings within six months, by which time Apple is expected to revise its services to conform with regulations.
Should Apple not comply with the DMA's stipulations, according to Bloomberg, Brussels may start a formal investigation that could lead to penalties amounting to as much as 10% of Apple’s annual worldwide revenue.
In response, Apple has stated that it has developed methods allowing developers to seek greater interoperability with its systems, asserting this can be achieved while still safeguarding user security. The company based in California also cautioned that any weakening of iOS protections could endanger European consumers by offering malicious entities increased opportunities to exploit their devices and personal information.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
Regulators from the bloc are insisting that Apple adhere to the EU’s recent Digital Markets Act, which mandates that operating systems fully integrate with various technologies.
"Today is the first time we use specification proceedings under the DMA to guide Apple towards effective compliance with its interoperability obligations through constructive dialogue," stated Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s antitrust chief. She further noted, "Effective interoperability, for example with smartphones and their operating systems, plays an important role in this."
The competition authority highlighted that the initial proceeding is focusing on the interoperability of iOS with amenities like smartwatches, headphones, virtual reality headsets, and other internet-connected gadgets.
In another aspect of the proceedings, the commission is evaluating how Apple's operating system allows third-party developers to interface with iPhone and iPad functionalities, encompassing features like Siri voice commands and the payment chip.
Reuters reports that the European Commission is aiming to conclude these proceedings within six months, by which time Apple is expected to revise its services to conform with regulations.
Should Apple not comply with the DMA's stipulations, according to Bloomberg, Brussels may start a formal investigation that could lead to penalties amounting to as much as 10% of Apple’s annual worldwide revenue.
In response, Apple has stated that it has developed methods allowing developers to seek greater interoperability with its systems, asserting this can be achieved while still safeguarding user security. The company based in California also cautioned that any weakening of iOS protections could endanger European consumers by offering malicious entities increased opportunities to exploit their devices and personal information.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
