The European Union has taken a significant step in its push for greater interoperability in the tech industry, setting its sights on one of the most closed-off ecosystems: Apple’s iOS and iPadOS. In a bold move, EU regulators are demanding substantial changes to the way Apple’s operating systems interact with third-party devices and services.
A New Regulatory Challenge for Apple
On December 18, 2025, the European Commission issued a series of recommendations calling for a major overhaul of iOS and iPadOS. This initiative falls under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a sweeping regulation aimed at curbing monopolistic behavior and fostering a more competitive digital landscape.
One of the key objectives? Forcing Apple to allow seamless compatibility with non-Apple devices, from smartwatches to wireless earbuds. If the EU gets its way, using a Garmin watch with an iPhone could become as effortless as using an Apple Watch.
What the EU Wants to Change ?
The Commission’s proposed changes cover a broad spectrum of features, many of which have traditionally been exclusive to Apple’s ecosystem. These include:
- Automatic audio switching between devices
- Persistent Bluetooth connections for third-party accessories
- Advanced notifications for external apps
- Interoperable data transfer protocols, such as AirDrop and AirPlay
- Seamless Wi-Fi sharing and file transfers between Apple and non-Apple devices
If implemented, these measures could revolutionize Apple’s historically closed system, making it more open to competing products and services.
Apple’s Response: Privacy vs. Competition
Apple isn’t taking these demands lightly. In response, the company released a white paper defending its privacy and security policies, arguing that forced interoperability could put user data at risk. Apple specifically called out Meta, suggesting that companies advocating for these changes are primarily interested in harvesting user information rather than fostering competition.
“Such risks would be immense and nearly impossible to mitigate,” Apple stated in its report. However, Meta fired back, accusing Apple of using privacy concerns as a smokescreen to protect its anti-competitive practices.
High Stakes for Compliance
The EU is making it clear that it expects compliance. If Apple fails to implement these changes, it could face penalties of up to 10% of its global revenue—a staggering sum that would amount to billions of dollars.
The deadline for Apple and other affected companies to submit their responses is set for January 9, 2025, with a final decision expected by March 2025. As the deadline looms, the battle between Apple and EU regulators is shaping up to be one of the most consequential tech policy debates in recent years.
Will Apple make the changes, or will it fight back with further legal and technical defenses? One thing is certain: the future of interoperability in the digital world is hanging in the balance.
