EU tries to make the iPhone work properly with all smartwatches, not just the Apple Watch

The European Commission has instructed Apple to enhance the interoperability of its iOS devices with third-party products, particularly smartwatches, in the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

These binding decisions are intended to make it simpler for iPhones to pair, transfer data from, and show notifications from non-Apple devices.

The Commission is assisting Apple in its compliance by detailing the measures needed for enabling interoperability with iOS for third-party connected devices and by streamlining the process put in place by Apple to handle future requests for interoperability with iPhone and iPad devices. 

Apple isn’t too happy about the decision

The DMA intends to secure fair competition and prevent leading technology companies from possessing closed systems that limit consumer choice. By forcing Apple to become more compatible with third-party devices, the European Commission intends to stimulate an open system and enhance consumer choice.

The first set of measures concerns nine iOS connectivity features, predominantly used for connected devices such as smartwatches, headphones or TVs. The measures will grant device manufacturers and app developers improved access to iPhone features that interact with such devices (e.g. displaying notifications on smartwatches), faster data transfers (e.g. peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connections, and near-field communication) and easier device set-up (e.g. pairing).

Apple has also expressed concern regarding these directives, claiming that they could stifle innovation and disadvantage the company compared to its competitors.

As always, these decisions fully respect Apple’s rights of defence and remain subject to independent judicial scrutiny.

Despite the potential for legal challenges, the European Commission remains adamant about imposing these regulations to ensure regulatory certainty and equality in the market.

This step highlights the European Union’s commitment to imposing antitrust laws and requiring big tech firms to obey regulations that aim to boost competition and consumer choice.