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Apple is under pressure. The EU Commission has issued new regulations that force Apple to open up key iOS features to devices from other manufacturers. This includes smartwatches, headphones, GPS watches, and mixed reality headsets. Until now, the use of certain features was limited to Apple hardware, but this is set to change with iOS 19 and iOS 20. Apple warns of security issues, privacy risks, and a slowdown in its own innovations. The EU sees things differently, citing increased competition and better options for consumers.
Apple has pursued a clear strategy for years: a closed system in which all products are perfectly coordinated. Anyone who owns an iPhone can ideally use it with an Apple Watch, AirPods, or the Vision Pro. Other manufacturers have difficulty integrating their devices with iOS. The EU no longer wants to accept this. It sees Apple as a "gatekeeper," i.e., a company with a dominant market position, and demands greater openness. The new requirements are based on the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a law that obliges large tech companies to increase interoperability (via EU).
What Apple needs to change now
Apple is forced to open up numerous iPhone features to third-party developers. The most important changes at a glance:
Better support for smartwatches and headphones
Until now, only Apple Watches could receive and respond to notifications from the iPhone. That needs to change. Smartwatches from other manufacturers should also be able to use this feature. This means that, for example, a Garmin or Samsung watch can be connected directly to an iPhone without Apple restrictions. Likewise, automatic audio switching, which previously only worked with AirPods, will be enabled for other headphones. This makes it easier to switch seamlessly between iPhone, iPad, and Mac – regardless of the manufacturer.
More freedom for third-party apps
Companion apps for third-party accessories will now be allowed to run in the background for longer periods. This allows them to retrieve current data and communicate with the devices more quickly. Previously, many apps had to rely on workarounds because Apple severely limited their background runtime.
Easier connections and data exchange
Apple must enable devices without the Apple logo to communicate more easily with the iPhone. This includes:
- Direct Wi-Fi connections that enable fast data transfer between devices
- Automatic sharing of Wi-Fi passwords, similar to what Apple users already know from their own ecosystem
- Improved streaming interoperability, making it easier to transfer content from an iPhone to non-iPhone devices
NFC payments no longer just for Apple Pay
Until now, the use of the NFC chip in iPhones for payment transactions was largely reserved for Apple Pay. This, too, must change. Other providers should be able to offer their own payment solutions without Apple's restrictions.
Apple must provide interfaces – free of charge
Apple is not allowed to charge fees for these new interfaces. The EU requires Apple to provide the necessary frameworks and documentation free of charge. This is intended to give other companies the same opportunities that Apple uses for its own products.
Schedule: By when does Apple have to deliver?
The requirements will come into force in several phases:
- The first changes must be made with iOS 19. Strictly speaking, some features must be available by the end of 2025.
- Further adjustments will follow with iOS 20, especially in the areas of NFC payments and media casting.
Apple warns of risks
Apple has sharply criticized the EU decision. The company sees it not only as a restriction on its own ability to innovate, but also as potential security risks. A key point of criticism is access to notifications. If third-party apps are allowed to view these notifications, there is a risk of data misuse. While Apple emphasizes that users must first allow access, the company still fears a dilution of security standards. Apple sees another problem in the unequal treatment. While the company has to adapt its products to strict data protection and security requirements, many competitors are subject to less stringent rules. This could force Apple to share technologies without requiring its competitors to make similar commitments. (Photo by Alexey Larionov / Bigstockphoto)
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