EU threatens Apple with fines if it doesnt open up highly guarded iOS software to rivals
EU antitrust regulators on Thursday warned Apple to throw open its fiercely-guarded proprietary software to rivals — or risk the prospect of major fines from.The European Commission launched so-called specification proceedings that will spell out what Apple has to do to abide by the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the strict new law aimed at tech giants from abusing their market share.While the move isn’t a formal probe, the stepped-up enforcement could upend Apple’s lucrative business model by targeting its iOS connectivity features for smartwatches, headphones, virtual reality headsets and other internet-connected devices.The Brussels-based regulator will specify how Apple will provide effective interoperability with functionalities such as notifications, device pairing and connectivity.A second proceeding concerns how Apple addresses interoperability requests submitted by developers and third parties for iOS and iPadOS, with the company told to ensure a transparent, timely, and fair process.If Apple fails to comply within six months, the EU could start imposing fines.The DMA stipulates that tech firms that don’t fall in line with the law risk penalties equivalent to 10% of their annual global turnovers.Last year, Apple generated $383.93 billion in total revenue in Europe — putting the Cupertino, Calif.-based giant on the hook for more than $38 billion if it fails to meet the regulator’s demands.“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,” EU Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.“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,” Vestager added.Apple has steadfastly refused to allow rivals to peek into its iOS source code, which allows the company to ...