The European Commission has started two specification proceedings to assist Apple in complying with its interoperability obligations under the Digital Markets Act (‘DMA'). Under the DMA, Apple must provide free and effective interoperability to third party developers and businesses with hardware and software features controlled by Apple's operating systems iOS and iPadOS, designated under the DMA.

The specification proceedings formalise the Commission's regulatory dialogue with Apple on certain specific areas of Apple's compliance with Article 6(7) DMA. Pursuant to Article 8(2) of the DMA, the Commission may, on its own initiative, adopt a decision specifying the measures a gatekeeper has to implement to ensure effective compliance with substantive DMA obligations, such as the interoperability obligation of Article 6(7) DMA.

The first proceeding focuses on several iOS connectivity features and functionalities, predominantly used for and by connected devices. Connected devices are a varied, large and commercially important group of products, including 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 intends to specify how Apple will provide effective interoperability with functionalities such as notifications, device pairing and connectivity.

The second proceeding focuses on the process Apple has set up to address interoperability requests submitted by developers and third parties for iOS and IPadOS. It is crucial that the request process is transparent, timely, and fair so that all developers have an effective and predictable path to interoperability and are enabled to innovate.

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European Commission Initiates Proceedings to Clarify Apple's Interoperability Obligations under Digital Markets Act

The European Commission has initiated two specification proceedings to assist Apple in meeting its interoperability obligations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple is required to provide free and effective interoperability to third party developers and businesses with hardware and software features controlled by its operating systems iOS and iPadOS.

The first proceeding concentrates on various iOS connectivity features crucial for connected devices like smartwatches and headphones, aiming to ensure effective interoperability with functionalities such as notifications and device pairing. The second proceeding focuses on Apple's process for handling interoperability requests from developers and third parties, emphasizing transparency and fairness.



European Commission Initiates Proceedings to Clarify Apple's Interoperability Obligations under Digital Markets Act

The European Commission has launched two specification proceedings to help Apple comply with its interoperability obligations under the Digital Markets Act, focusing on iOS connectivity features and the process for addressing interoperability requests.