The European Commission is no longer waiting for tech giant Apple to comply with EU regulations and the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The European Union has begun a process designed to guarantee the company follows its interoperability obligations as one of the DMA’s designated gatekeepers, which will presumably be composed of major tech corporations.
European regulators explained that under the DMA, it reserves the right to “adopt a decision specifying the measures a gatekeeper has to implement to ensure effective compliance.”
This is why Apple is being given six months to follow EU regulations or otherwise face massive fines.
The European Commission is focusing on iOS connectivity
The European Commission has set its sights on iOS connectivity for devices such as smartwatches, headphones, and virtual reality sets. This has become a top priority for the European Commission because manufacturers of these products depend on effective connectivity with operating systems and with the smartphones themselves.
It is expected that the European Commission will specify how Apple should guarantee effective connectivity between non-Apple devices, and iPhones so that they can effectively work together.
The Commission will also address how Apple handles developers’ requests for third-party connectivity with iOS and iPadOS.
In a statement, EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager said, “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.”
Vestager added, “We are focused on ensuring fair and open digital markets. Effective interoperability, for example with smartphones and their operating systems, plays an important role in this. This process will provide clarity for developers, third parties, and Apple.”
She concluded her statement by clarifying that the European Union will continue its dialogue with Apple and other tech corporations to guarantee that proposed measures by regulators work in practice.
An investigation made by EU regulators found the company had breached DMA rules
The European Union Commission has given its preliminary findings on Apple’s actions in an investigation it opened on the company and found Apple guilty of breaching the DMA by not allowing App Store developers to inform users about alternative payment options.
The company has since made changes that comply with the DMA, showing its willingness to cooperate with regulators.
Some of the changes Apple made to avoid being fined by the EU include opening iOS and iPadOS to third-party app stores and allowing developers to use Apple’s NFC technology. More significant, however, is the fact that the company purposely withdrew certain features such as Apple Intelligence, iPhone screen mirroring to Macs, and SharePlay screen sharing.
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