European Union moves to compel Apple to open up operating system to rival tech

LONDON — The European Union said Thursday it will outline steps to compel Apple to open up its iPhone and iPad operating systems to competing technologies under the bloc's tough new digital rulebook, which threatens hefty fines for breaches.

The EU's executive branch, the European Commission, said it has opened two “specification proceedings” that will spell out what Apple needs to do under the 27-nation bloc's Digital Markets Act.

The DMA is designed to prevent Big Tech “gatekeepers” from dominating digital markets, including by breaking up closed tech ecosystems. It requires tech companies to make their systems operate with rivals, allowing consumers to switch more easily between platforms.

One proceeding will focus on how connected devices like smartwatches and headphones will have “effective interoperability” with Apple's operating system. The other will look at how Apple deals with interoperability requests from software developers for iOS and IPadOS, which should be done in a "transparent, timely and fair" way, the commission said.

During this process, which will take up to six months, the commission will send its findings to Apple. It’s the first time the commission has used this process since the DMA took effect earlier this year. The bloc is already investigating Apple over its App Store rules for developers.

The commission's executive vice president in charge of competition policy, Margrethe Vestager, said in a press release that the process will “provide clarity” for developers and Apple.

Apple said it has “created ways for apps in the European Union to request additional interoperability with iOS and iPadOS while protecting our users.”

“Undermining the protections we’ve built over time would put European consumers at risk," the company said, adding it will continue to “work constructively” with commission.